This book is the first comprehensive study of the technological knowledge needed to produce Neolithic Majiayao-style pottery (5300-4000 cal yr BP) which is famous for its painted designs in black and red. It examines the technological choices in the production of fine and coarse Majiayao-style pottery found across three river valleys, all located near the border area of Chinese provinces Gansu and Qinghai. Through macroscopic examination, thin- section petrography and experimental archaeology, this book investigates how the same pottery style was made across this large geographical area. Specifically, the study examines whether similar technological knowledge in pottery production at different places is connected to a yet