Early Bronze Age British Funerary Vessels: similarities and differences in manufacturing techniques and the socio-cultural implications.

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Undertaking of research into the manufacture of ceramic funerary vessels of the Early Bronze Age (EBA) in Britain (c.2400-1500 BC). Funerary vessels represent one of the most common and most important sources of information about ritual and social practices and identities during this period. The vessels will be studied in far greater depth than previously attempted by supplementing macroscopic examination with the methods or archaeological science and experimental archaeology. The project will involve working directly with the rich archaeological material in the collections of the British Museum.Past ceramic studies have been mainly concerned with documenting and studying the finished form of vessels rather than the production process from the perspective of the potter (i.e. the 'chaine operatoire'). These past studies also perceived clear distinctions between 'traditions' and 'types' that recent research has began to problematize. Two EBA vessels that look the same may be made from very different clay and temper 'recipes', and may use different manufacturing techniques. Conversely , vessels of different types may share important features such as fabric and decoration in common. This PhD project will focus on the social and cultural implications of these similarities and differences that may be significant for interpreting identity and transformation through time, and understanding the ends and beginnings of traditions, rituals and beliefs.Key research questions will include, how do archaeologists understand the manufacturing process of EBA funerary vessels? Can new, more sophisticated classificatory frameworks based on construction evidence and context be devised? How were similarities and differences in the manufacture and treatment of EBA funerary vessels used to construct and project identities? What can EBA vessels reveal about the transmission of ceramic production techniques? How do the meanings of and use of EBA funerary vessels compare with the use of funerary vessels in the Middle Bronze Age (MBA)?The study will be based on a representative sample of the 450 complete (or restored) EBA vessels from funerary contexts in the British Museum collection (composed primarily of Beakers (c. 120 vessels), Food Vessels (c. 110), Collared Urns (c. 100) and accessory cups (c. 90), using macroscopic techniques in order to characterise fabric, and identify evidence of construction and decoration techniques. This will be enhanced further by analysis of a smaller targeted sample using scientific techniques.