Ceramics and social practices at Ille Cave, Philippines
This research uses ceramic analysis to investigate variations in technological practices in the Philippines, and the relationships with pottery traditions previously reported for wider Southeast Asia. The thesis focuses on an examination of the earthenware ceramics from the multi-period burial and occupation site of Ille Cave and Rockshelter, and nearby cave sites in northern Palawan, Philippines. Previous work on Philippine ceramics has used surface decorations to discuss grand narratives of human movement. This thesis argues that technology, rather than decoration or style, is a better indicator of people and social practice. While critiquing these dominant interpretations, this thesis seeks to build on previous work by demonstrating how differences in ceramic technology can be interpreted as indicators of distinct learning traditions and learning networks, suggesting different communities of practice. The range of techniques used to prepare the clay, form and decorate the ceramics, were analysed macroscopically in hand specimen, and microscopically by petrography, stereoscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to reconstruct the chaĂźne opĂ©ratoire which shows difference in technological practice. Results
Balbaligo, Y. E.
Ceramics and social practices at Ille Cave, Philippines. This research uses ceramic analysis to investigate variations in technological practices in the Philippines, and the relationships with pottery traditions previously reported for wider Southeast Asia. The thesis focuses on an examination of the earthenware ceramics from the multi-period burial and occupation site of Ille Cave and Rockshelter, and nearby cave sites in northern Palawan, Philippines. Previous work on Philippine ceramics has used surface decorations to discuss grand narratives of human movement. This thesis argues that technology, rather than decoration or style, is a better indicator of people and social practice. While critiquing these dominant interpretations, this thesis seeks to build on previous work by demonstrating how differences in ceramic technology can be interpreted as indicators of distinct learning traditions and learning networks, suggesting different communities of practice. The range of techniques used to prepare the clay, form and decorate the ceramics, were analysed macroscopically in hand specimen, and microscopically by petrography, stereoscopy, and scanning electron microscopy to reconstruct the chaĂźne opĂ©ratoire which shows difference in technological practice. Results
ceramics social_practice cave philippines ceramic_analysis investigate_variation technological_practice philippines relationship pottery tradition previously report wide southeast_asia focus examination ceramic multi_period burial occupation_site cave nearby cave site_northern philippines previous_work ceramic use surface decoration discuss grand narrative human movement argues technology rather decoration style good indicator people social_practice critique dominant interpretation seek build previous_work demonstrate difference ceramic_technology interpret indicator distinct learn tradition learn network suggest different community_practice range technique use prepare clay form decorate ceramic analyse macroscopically hand specimen petrography scan_electron_microscopy reconstruct chaazne_opa ratoire show difference technological_practice