An Ethnoarchaeological Study of Pottery Production in Tamsa River Basin, Uttar Pradesh

Suraj Yadav* and Shahida Ansari

Understanding the relationship between material resources and human adaptation has been a central focus of archaeological interpretation. This paper presents an ethnoarchaeological study of the Kumhar (potter) in Tamsa River basin, dealing with pottery production techniques, clay procurement, and their interaction with the surrounding landscape. The study is based on ethnographic observations and interviews with the Kumhar community undertaken alongside archaeological exploration in the region. The findings indicate that potters selectively procure clay from specific zones within the riverine landscape, particularly floodplain deposits and old tal/pokhra, based on texture, plasticity, and seasonal availability. This resource knowledge directly influences production cycles, labour organisation, and technological choices such as forming, firing, and surface treatment. Variations in shape, size, and decoration further reflect both functional and cultural dimensions of pottery use. By correlating these observations with the distribution of nearby archaeological sites, the study argues that similar patterns of clay sourcing and production strategies may have structured ceramic traditions in the past. The proximity of ancient settlements to viable clay sources suggests a close integration between resource zones and habitation areas. This study highlights the importance of ethnographic data in reconstructing past material practices and contributes to broader discussions on landscape use and ceramic production in the riverine landscape of Tamsa River basin.