Spatial analysis of Pottery at Erlitou Site

Abstract:This study focuses on the spatial distribution and the manufacture of pottery at Erlitou site. Due to the large scale and abundance of relics, this site is the key to explore the trajectory to the early state. Through the analysis of the spatial distribution of pottery, a variety of information will be extracted from the archaeological remains and broaden the understanding of Erlitou site and Erlitou period. Based on the archaeological record of Erlitou site, it is possible to explore the similarities and differences of pottery combination and technology in different zones and periods. Furthermore, it is also enable to discover the relation between this phenomenon and the social structure. Moreover this study may helps to understand the function zone of the Erlitou site and the composition of the population.
This dissertation divided into five chapters. Chapter one is the preface. It initially reviews the former researches and the relevant problems, and then introduces the method and the purpose of this research. Chapter two uses stratigraphy and typology methods to define the synchronic of different potteries. Chapter three analyses the spatial distribution of pottery. We compared the potteries from different periods and zones. According to statistics and observation of potteries, and the data of some former researches, it shows that there are great differences. Chapter four studies the technique of the pottery production. We aim to explore the organization model of the pottery production in Erlitou site, which may difference in different chronology. Chapter five is conclusion of this study.

Key Words： Erlitou Site   Spatial Analysis   Pottery Analysis