Title
Tripod ewer
Year/Period
Late Dawenkou Culture (c. 2900-2400 BCE)
Region
Shandong province, China
Object Type
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H25 x D7.7 cm
Accession No.
1995-02067
Collection of
Dawenkou Culture (previously known as Longshan to describe Neolithic cultures in the Shandong area) is characterised by elaborate ceramic forms such as this hand-potted, three-legged lobed vessel.Early ceramics served many purposes over their more functional use. Ordinary vessels could have been made more elaborate for ritual use. Since most activities took place at ground level, it was thought their height may have distinguished them from ordinary wares. As a raised vessel commanded a greater presence and was more appropriate for ceremony than a flat or round-bottomed one.
