Analyzing the functional structure of pottery jiandiping amphorae

There are numerous, controversial theories on the function of the amphorae as Yangshao culture water-drawing vessel, wine vessel, or other. This paper discusses amphorae functional form from a typological perspective and presents the view from molding technique. The primary function of the pointed bottom concerned sedimentation, yet the vessel’s small opening was poorly adapted to cereal fermentation. The large amphora was less transportable but better suited to long-term storage and sedimentation: wine decanted into medium- or small-sized flat-bottom vessels or amphora was easily transferred and used, and decanting served to remove any sediment from turbid wine. Functional differences between the large and small amphorae explain varying functions and uses of double-loop handles. The development of sediment separation technique is the key reason for the disappearance of the amphorae.