Pottery Production in Prehistoric Bronze Age Cyprus

Assessing the Problem

Abstract

Two alternative models for pottery production and distribution have been developed for prehistoric Bronze Age Cyprus. One favours commercial trade in pottery produced by specialists, the other a smaller-scale domestic industry. This paper develops a formal strategy for addressing this issue as well as the associated question of the source of vessels found in tombs. Problems in applying the approach are discussed, using a number of examples. The implications of each model for our understanding of the overall structure of society arc also considered.