MODULE 6 POTTERY
HISTORY AND ITS BACKGROUND
A great part of the history of pottery is prehistoric, part of past pre-literate cultures.
Therefore, much of this history can only be found among the artifacts of archaeology.
Because pottery is so durable, pottery and shards of pottery survive for millennia
at archaeological sites, and are typically the most common and important type of artifact
to survive. Many prehistoric cultures are named after the pottery that is the easiest way
to identify their sites, and archaeologists develop the ability to recognise different types
from the chemistry of small shards.
Before pottery becomes part of a culture, several conditions must generally be met.
First, there must be usable clay available. Archaeological sites where the
earliest pottery was found were near deposits of readily available clay that
could be properly shaped and fired. China has large deposits of a variety of
clay, which gave them an advantage in early development of fine pottery.
Many countries have large deposits of a variety of clay.
Second, it must be possible to heat the pottery to temperatures that will
achieve the transformation from raw clay to ceramic. Methods to reliably
create fires hot enough to fire pottery did not develop until late in the
development of cultures.
Third, the potter must have time available to prepare, shape and fire the clay
into pottery. Even after control of fire was achieved, humans did not seem to
develop pottery until a sedentary life was achieved. It has been hypothesized
that pottery was developed only after humans established agriculture, which
led to permanent settlements. However, the oldest known pottery is from the
Czech Republic and dates to 28,000 BC, at the height of the most recent ice
age, long before the beginnings of agriculture.
Fourth, there must be a sufficient need for pottery in order to justify the
resources required for its production
HISTORY BY REGIONS
EAST ASIA
In Japan, the Jōmon period has a long history of development of Jōmon pottery which was
characterized by impressions of rope on the surface of the pottery created by pressing rope into
the clay before firing. Glazed Stoneware was being created as early as the 15th century BC in
China. A form of Chinese porcelain became a significant Chinese export from the Tang dynasty
(AD 618–906) onwards.[10] Korean potters adopted porcelain as early as the 14th century AD.
SOUTH ASIA
Extensive prehistoric record of pottery, including painted wares, little "fine" or luxury pottery was
made in the subcontinent in historic times. Hinduism discourages eating off pottery, which
probably largely accounts for this. Most traditional Indian pottery vessels are large pots or jars
for storage, or small cups or lamps, occasionally treated as disposable.
EUROPE
The early inhabitants of Europe developed pottery in the Linear Pottery culture slightly later than
the Near East, circa 5500–4500 BC. In the ancient Western Mediterranean elaborately painted
earthenware reached very high levels of artistic achievement in the Greek world
AMERICA
Most evidence points to an independent development of pottery in the Native American cultures,
with the earliest known dates from Brazil, from 9,500 to 5,000 years ago and 7,000 to 6,000
years ago
AFRICA
The oldest pottery in the world outside of east Asia can be found in Africa. In 2007, Swiss
archaeologists discovered pieces of some of the oldest pottery in Africa at Ounjougou in the
central region of Mali, dating to at least 9,400 BC
PROCESS OF MAKING POTTERY
1. Preparing the Clay:
This involves mixing raw clay with water and sometimes other materials (like
crushed rock or plant fibers to prevent cracking). The clay is then wedged, a
process of kneading and compressing to remove air pockets and ensure a
consistent texture.
2. Forming:
There are various methods for shaping the clay:
o Wheel Throwing: Using a pottery wheel to create symmetrical forms.
o Hand-building: Techniques like pinching, coiling, or slab construction.
o Slip Casting: Creating multiples of a shape using a mold.
3. Drying:
The shaped pottery is allowed to dry slowly to prevent cracking and warping. It's
often dried to a "leather-hard" stage where it's firm enough to handle but still
pliable.
4. Firing:
The dried pottery is fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This process, known as
bisque firing, hardens the clay and makes it more durable.
5. Glazing:
If desired, a glaze (a glass-like coating) is applied to the fired pottery.
6. Glaze Firing:
The glazed pottery is fired again at a higher temperature, causing the glaze to
melt and fuse with the clay.
7. Finishing:
The final product is cooled, inspected, and may receive final touches like
polishing or paintin
MATERIALS IN MAKING POTTERY
Clay:
This is the foundational material, with different types like earthenware, stoneware,
and porcelain having varying properties.
Water:
Added to clay to achieve the right consistency for shaping.
Earthen Minerals:
These can include materials like silica, feldspar, and other minerals that are mixed
with the clay to enhance its properties.
Additives:
These are materials like grog (ground pottery), which is added to clay to reduce
shrinkage during drying and firing, or fluxes, which lower the melting point of the
clay.
Economic Contributions:
Livelihoods:
Pottery production offers a means of income for families and communities,
especially those with limited alternative economic opportunities.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs):
The pottery industry often involves MSMEs, which are vital for local economic
development.
Tourism:
Pottery-making villages and centers can become tourist attractions, generating
revenue through sales of pottery items and related tourism activities.
Community Development:
Pottery-based initiatives can contribute to community resilience by providing
sources of income and fostering a sense of ownership and cultural pride.
Cultural Significance:
Preservation of Heritage:
Pottery-making is a traditional craft that helps preserve cultural heritage and
passed-down skills.
Cultural Identity:
Pottery can be a symbol of cultural identity, reflecting local traditions, artistry, and
craftsmanshi
CONCLUSION
Pottery plays a multifaceted role in the Philippine economy, contributing to
livelihoods, cultural preservation, and tourism. It provides income for local
communities, particularly in rural areas, and helps preserve traditional skills
and cultural heritage. Furthermore, pottery-making can be a tourist attraction,
drawing visitors interested in local crafts and traditions