Introduction

The work of an archaeological pottery specialist can give rise to several different types of publication, all of which are perfectly valid uses of pottery evidence. First is the straightforward pottery report, published as part of the general publication of an excavation or fieldwork project. The audience for this report will be composed mainly of other archaeologists, although your general conclusions may well be read by a wider audience, who may also be interested in the methods which you used and the theory and assumptions behind your work. Next, it is possible to write something about the history of pottery production and use in the study area, information which should be of interest to historical geographers, economic and social historians as well as archaeologists. Third, you may wish to write about the manufacturing methods and technology used by the potters whose products you have been studying. The audience for this type of work will consist mainly of potters, material scientists and historians of technology. Fourth, you should make your findings known to the lay public. The last is the most difficult audience to satisfy, since by this time you will be so deeply immersed in the subject matter that you no longer know what you need to explain in detail and what is obvious.

Here we are concerned only about the publication of primary data, the first two of the four options described above. In all cases, however, the best way to gauge the appropriate level for your work is to meet the consumer to talk about your work. Formal and informal presentation of your work is a very good way of making sure you know what your study has shown and that you can put this information across coherently.