À la recherche des potiers métrologues mésopotamiens
Abstract
In Mesopotamian ceramic studies, the metrological approach is still rare and focuses mainly on determining standardized capacities or units. While these few attempts have so far failed to establish a precise equivalence between ceramic vessels and volumetric units of capacity, this is no reason to abandon metrological research altogether. Rather, pot volumes must be measured systematically. As shown by a study on Khabur ware, this type of approach takes a step beyond purely chrono-stratigraphic studies. Via an emic approach to the work of ancient potters it becomes possible to develop research on “ceramic habitus” seen as common and consensual cultural norms.