Neolithic pottery
Neolithic Pottery: Unveiling the Revolution
The discovery of pottery, a revolutionary innovation of the Neolithic era, remains shrouded in the mysteries of ancient times.
Serendipitous Transformation: From Clay to Stone
It is believed that Neolithic communities stumbled upon an extraordinary discovery by chance: the transformation of clay into a stone-like substance when exposed to the heat of fire.
Though the exact circumstances of this discovery remain unknown, what is certain is that this material quickly spread across Europe, enabling the creation of objects impossible to shape with stone.
Evolution of the Ceramics Creation Process
The evolution of the ceramics creation process is fascinating. The soft mixture, molded into vase shapes and left to air dry, was subsequently subjected to firing in a specially designed kiln.
From Trench to Dome Oven: Structural Innovations
This kiln, initially a simple trench with a fire at the center and vases arranged at the sides, transformed over time into a raised dome-shaped structure capable of reaching high temperatures and maintaining heat for an extended period.
The Miracle of Firing: From Clay to Ceramics
Through this process, clay transformed into the marvel that is ceramics or terracotta, taking on a vibrant reddish hue after firing.
From "Coiling" Technique to the Potter's Wheel: Turning Point in Vessel Formation
The oldest method, known as "coiling," involved creating a clay cylinder rolled to form the base of the vessel, later shaped by hand.
However, this technique produced vessels with thick and irregular walls. The turning point towards creating thinner and more symmetrical vessels only came with the invention of the potter's wheel, attributed to the Sumerians around 3000 BCE.
From "Cardial Ware" to Painting: Evolution of Decorations
Ancient craftsmen adorned their early vessels by impressing marks on fresh clay, often using small shell-like cardium shells, hence the term "cardial ware."
Over time, decorations became more intricate, including geometric patterns such as triangles, spirals, straight or wavy lines.
Artistic Expression: Painting on Vessels
The art of decoration further evolved with the introduction of painting, applying natural pigments mixed with animal fats to the still-fresh vessel.
This progression marked a significant chapter in the history of ceramics, making it not only functional but also an artistic expression of extraordinary beauty.
