One way to compare the ceramics within a site or between sites, is to group pots into standardized types on the basis of shared attributes. Archaeologists traditionally compared the presence/absence, or frequency, of different types of pots at a site as a way of describing the stylistic affinities of potmakers -- pots were used as material culture markers of the identity of the site occupants.

Alternatively, rather than classifying pots into a limited number of types, researchers can use different multivariate, analytical approaches. As discussed in the next section, the distribution and co-occurence of individual stylistic elements can be compared within and between ceramic assemblage.

Ultimately, there are two ways to classify pots into discreet types: The Type Series and the Multivariate Classification.

Ultimately, any classification process is a subjective exercise, dependent on the features used by the researcher to characterize and classify the pots. Within ceramic analysis there are no standard methodologies that must be followed by all archaeologists. Many archaeologists will try to standardize their data collection by utilizing a method of analysis common to others in the same region, with the intention for comparative analysis between sites. Just as many archaeologists, however, prefer to utilize their own unique approach to ceramic classification.

The Predynastic cemetery HK 43 at Hierakonpolis (Upper Egypt), which dates to 3600 BC, has the earliest recorded examples of hair extensions and hair die in the entire world.