Seeking the past in the present: archaeological implications of ethnographic pottery studies in Kenya"

Abstract

Contemporary pottery making in Kenya is localized rather than widespread, and the author considers eight diverse ceramic-producing communities. Variations in raw materials and fabrication techniques are documented, and sociocultural phenomena are considered (division of labor, rituals, taboos, personal identification marks, and vessel size as related to family size). Temper, decoration, vessel uniformity, and the introduction of new forms and extinction of others are also noted.