Combining quantitative analysis with an elliptic Fourier descriptor: A study of pottery from the Gansu-Zhanqi site based on 3D scanning and computer technology

Abstract Pottery is an important material in archaeological studies, and the accurate classification of pottery shapes largely depends on the experience and knowledge of archaeologists. In this thesis, pottery taken from the Gansu-Zhanqi site is used for sampling. Three-dimensional models of the pottery were obtained by three-dimensional scanning, and a computer-assisted pottery typology was studied through quantitative analysis and elliptic Fourier analysis. This method can enhance and supplement the traditional methods of classifying pottery in archaeology, thereby enriching the parameters and breadth of pottery analysis. This method represents a new means for exploring and experimenting with objective classification and provides a new tool for traditional archaeological analysis methods.traditional methods of classifying pottery in archaeology, thereby enriching the parameters and breadth of pottery analysis. This method represents a new means of exploring and experimenting with objective classification and provides a new tool for traditional archaeological analysis methods.