Wheel throwing has long been identified in archaeology on the basis of specific surface features, as well as internal diagnostic structures detected by radiographic techniques. On the basis of an experimental study, the authors propose to re-examine the criteria for ceramic forming processes. Interpretation of the physical reaction of clay to hydric and mechanical stress helps to show the relationship between microfabrics and ceramic forming processes. Integrated analysis of surface features and microfabrics differentiates between wheel throwing and wheel shaping of coil-built rough-outs and gives information that that can be applied to the study of 3d-millennium archaeological materials from Mesopotamia, Iran, and India. The authors' preliminary conclusions suggest that the 3d-millennium vessels, usually considered as wheel thrown, were initially formed by coiling followed by wheel shaping.