Pottery is the most common archaeological artefact: indeed sites are often designated as “pottery” or “pre-pottery” on the basis of whether or not sherds have been found. The fabric of pottery is examined to see how it is made and where the various constituents came from. Shapes and any patterns or designs painted, impressed, carved or scratched on the surfaces, are studied. It is used as a chronological and a cultural indicator. But the purpose for which the pot was made is often overlooked. There are few processing activities which do not require the use of a vessel or vessels: oils and dyes are used in weaving, aromatic oils and salves are mixed in perfume-making, food preparation requires containers for a multitude of purposes. Many other activities could be added, for instance, tanning and metal working and religious ritual.

This wide range of uses makes it more difficult to pin down the actual function of a particular pot. The same shape can be used for a number of purposes. More information is required.

The exact provenance of the pot is important. Was it in a shrine, a house, outside a building, inside a building? Was it near an oven, an altar, beside a hoard of metal goods? The position is by no means conclusive. Vessels used in preparing food may have been kept inside a house while the oven was outside in a courtyard. However, the find-spot can be a guide.