| This dissertation systematically assigns functions to 749 grayware, whiteware, and redware vessels in the Black Mesa Whole and Reconstructable Vessel Collection. These vessels were recovered by the Black Mesa Archaeological Project from Anasazi sites on northern Black Mesa in northeastern Arizona (A.D. 800-1150). Jars, pitchers, bowls, seed jars, ladles, and pukis are among the represented vessel forms.; An interpretive framework is constructed relating the morphological and technological attributes of ceramic vessels to specific functions based on principles of ceramic engineering, experimental studies, and morphological principles of containment/access. Information on vessel use from ethnographic sources and specific characteristics of the Black Mesa data set are used to refine the framework. The predicted attributes of the various functional classes outlined in the framework are compared to the observed attributes of the Black Mesa vessels. Hypothesized functional assignments are made based on a concordance of predicted and observed attributes. These assignments are evaluated against independent archaeological data, including vessel contents, use-marks, vessel context, and paintings of vessel use in fourteenth century kiva murals.; The morphometric and other variable states of the analyzed vessels largely accord with the predicted functions. The primary distinction made between vessels in the analysis was between cooking and non-cooking vessels, consistent with the ethnographic literature. Other findings include extensive evidence of vessel reuse and vessel repair. A unique phenomenon of intra- and extramural buried pots was identified for the final phase of occupation. The fragmentary condition and exterior soot deposits of many of these vessels strongly suggest that most, if not all, represent secondary use. This finding, together with the wide variety of necked vessel forms represented, implies that the Black Mesa Anasazi may not have constructed specific vessel forms for dry storage. Instead, any necked vessel would do once it could no longer serve its original function.; A variety of multivariate and univariate statistical techniques were employed in the analysis. Cluster, principal components, and discriminant analyses were used to identify morphologically distinct vessel forms. Extensive documentation of the relationship between vessel attributes and vessel use derived from numerous ethnographic sources is also provided. |
