Episode 58 - The Dirt Potcast: Ceramics in Archaeology

This week, we’re talking ceramics! Anna and Amber explain how bits of pottery aren’t called shards, but do hold lots of secrets (and sometimes blood!), the role of ceramics in archaeology, evidence for amateur and student potters, and how Amber clearly didn’t miss her calling as a ceramic artist.

To learn even more, check out:

Basic Concepts: Pottery in the Archaeological Record (Archaeology Review)

Ancient Chinese pottery confirmed as the oldest yet found (The Guardian)

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) in the Study of Archaeological Ceramics (Oxford Handbook of Archaeological Ceramic Analysis)

Thule tradition (University of Waterloo)

Ceramic Technology of Arctic Alaska: An Experimental and Adaptive Craft (Teal Sullivan)

How to Make an Unfired Clay Cooking Pot: Understanding the Technological Choices Made by Arctic Potters (Journal of Archaeological Method and Theory)

Muweilah (Universes in Universe)

Prehistoric Children Working and Playing: A Southwestern Case Study in Learning Ceramics (Journal of Archaeological Research)

The Dirt Book Club! 

When Clay Sings (via WorldCat)

Photo credit: Assyrian Palace Ware beaker (so pretty!), public domain image, via the Metropolitan Museum of Art.