Dung by preference: The choice of fuel as an example of how Andean potteryproduction is embedded within wider technical, social, and economic practices

A discussion of how Andean potters acquire and use their fuels is used to d emonstrate the 'embedded' nature of ceramic technology. The most common cho ice of fuel in the highlands of Peru and Bolivia is animal dung (mainly cow , sheep, and llama). This technological choice is related to wider social a nd economic practices (particularly in relation to animal husbandry) which has further repercussions that affect other technologies (such as agricultu re practices). Such a succession of interrelated activities is not unique t o pottery; it is fundamental to all technologies and should be considered w ithin archaeological analysis.