| Pottery standardization is the main method to unveil the relationship between specialized production and social complexity,when lacking of direct evidence,such as kiln and pottery pat.Former researches have already confirmed and strengthened the links between them—specialized production emerges and undergoes maturation as complex society developed.Such phenomenon is represented by the growth of varieties of potteries,particularly for the prestige wares on the one hand.It is also seen from the increased standardization in production,especially when making utilitarian vessels on the other hand.Recently,this theory was amended along with the increase of case studies as well as cross-cultural comparative studies.First,archaeologists began to realized that pottery standardization is a process rather than a sudden event.Second,they focus on the whole process of state formation and try to differentiate the "positive standardization" and "passive standardization".Third,archaeologists criticized traditional method which compared the results based on archaeological evidence to that of anthropology directly,and started to propose the definition,criterion and research question of pottery standardization in the field of archaeology.Judah,in the south of Levant,went through four stages during Iron Age:territorial-political-entity,rudimental state,mature state,and vassal kingdom under the control of Assyria.From the mid 9th century BCE to the early 7th century BCE,Judah expanded its territory to Shephelah and Beersheba-Arad Valley,and became a rudimental state.Judah developed into a mature country and reached its peak on the late 8th century BCE.After Tiglath-Pileser ? invaded Judah on 734 BCE,Judah was transformed into a vassal kingdom under the control of Assyria.Pottery standardization emerged and developed during the whole period of state formation.Study on pottery standardization from the 9th century BCE to the 6th century BCE enabled us to learn three issues.First,pottery standardization is a process rather than a sudden event.What are the different characteristics during the whole process of state formation?Second,how to explain such phenomenon?Third,what are the production model and social organization reflected by pottery standardization during the middle and late Iron Age?This case study aims to reflect the change in organization of labor and the mode of ceramic production,and then deepen our understanding of social complexity.According the writing goal,this thesis paper is organized by six parts:Part ?,Introduction.Reviewing the history of previous archaeological work,the methodology,and achievements in terms of ceramic production.What's more,this part gives a brief introduction of this topic,research ideas and methods.Part ?,Geological Environment Background.This part mainly introduces the location of Judah,landform and climate to lay foundation of following chapters.Part ?,The Relative and Absolute Chronology of Typical Sites in Judah.This part discusses the divergence and consensus between "traditional chronology" and "low chronology",then illustrates the typical pottery wares from Judahite sites during Iron Age ?A and Iron IIC.Part ?,Pottery Standardization in Judah.As a core chapter,this part introduces and evaluates the theory and methods concerning pottery standardization on the one hand.It analyzes diachronic change of standardization of 3 types and 6 sub-types of Oval Storage Jar on the other hand.In addition,this chapter lays more emphasis on standardized storage jars—Imlk storage jar and rosette storage jar,and discuss their time span,distribution and production,circulation and consumption respectively.Part ?,Pottery Standardization and Social Complexity in Judah.Refining and explaining the characteristics of pottery standardization in Judah in Iron Age.Finally,analyzing and rethinking the relationship between pottery standardization and social complexity.Part VI,Conclusion.Drawing conclusions based on results and summarizing the problems in the research of this paper. |
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