Technological choices in ancient cooking vessels manufacture

This paper represents an introductory study on the ancient cooking vessels production in which we present the close connection that links the pottery manufacture to its functionality. Based on the ethnoarchaeological and experimental studies recently made on this ceramic category, we highlighted the technological criteria to be followed in analysing a vessel in order to determine its function. After describing all the factors that influence the production process, a brief discussion regarding the properties of the cooking vessels, but also the markers which can indicate if they have been used according to their intended function will be made.