Ceramics and Society in Northern Europe

Abstract

Neolithic pottery in Britain and Ireland was produced from shortly after 4000 BC. There are regional variations but overall a four phase chronology for the pottery is also suggested: First Neolithic, approximately 4000–3800 BC; Early Neolithic, approximately 3800–3500 BC; Middle Neolithic, approximately 3500–2900 BC; and Late Neolithic, approximately 2900–2400 BC. Within this framework evidence for the processes of pottery production and use are studied to define a number of different traditions and practices. The external form of vessels seems to be strongly codified in the early part of the period, although there was a range of different inclusion recipes used. In the Middle and Later Neolithic there seem to be much simpler fabrics but a greater range of vessel shapes. This later pottery also seems to have been used for a much wider range of tasks.