Although most complete pots come from graves, sherds excavated from settlements show that many more were originally in ordinary domestic use. The vessels would be used for storing, preparing and eating food but would probably have been supplemented by leather, wicker and wooden containers. This probably explains why the range of vessel shapes and capacities appears limited for much of the Bronze Age.

However, from about 1200 BC a more varied range of jars, bowls, and cups in coarse and fine wares was developed for domestic use. Even so, some settlement sites have greater quantities of finer wares and this may relate to the increased importance of communal feasting during this period. In a feasting context the shape, finish, colour and history of a pot could convey certain social and religious meanings to the assembled company. At first these fine-wares were simply embellished by burnishing the surface (rubbing it smooth before firing). However, from 900 BC, incised and grooved decoration was used. The forms of bowls and cups were also changed – partly as a result of the influence of pottery styles from mainland Europe.