Pottery identification is a valuable aid to dating of archaeological sites. Pottery is usually the most common find and potsherds are more stable than organic materials and metals. As pottery techniques and fashions have evolved so it is often possible to be very specific in terms of date and source.

Why is pottery so important in history?

Pottery was important to ancient Iowans and is an important type of artifact for the archaeologist. Pots were tools for cooking, serving, and storing food, and pottery was also an avenue of artistic expression. Prehistoric potters formed and decorated their vessels in a variety of ways.

What does pottery tell us about the past?

The decoration itself is often an insight into the past, being made from fingernail impressions or fingerprints, and is a way of getting closer to people from the past. Analysis of the inside of pottery vessels can tell us what it might have contained.

How do we date pottery?

The dating procedure involves measuring the mass of a sample of ceramic and then heating it to around 500 degrees Celsius in a furnace, which removes the water. The re-fired ceramic is then weighed immediately, using a highly accurate microbalance, to determine precisely the rate of water recombination.

Why should we learn about pottery?

Pottery class can improve childrens motor skills by giving them the chance to engage their arm and hand muscles. As they learn how to manipulate the clay, they will discover that their hands can be powerful tools. Working with clay can help improve penmanship.

What are the benefits of pottery?

Health Benefits of PotteryReduces Stress. All forms of art have physical and mental health benefits, and are helpful when it comes to reducing stress and other worries, just like playing real money pokies can be. A Mood Enhancer. Helps with Focusing. Physical Benefits. Sense of Accomplishment. A Form of Self Expression.8 Mar 2019

How can you tell if pottery is ancient?

A few factors to look out for when figuring out how to identify antique pottery are the weight of the piece, its translucency or resonance. Its easier to figure out the body if the piece is chipped - simply run your finger along the fracture to identify how hard the grain is.

What are benefits of pottery?

Increase optimistic outlook – Pottery enables for improvements in flow and spontaneity, provides an outlet for grief, and helps you with self-identification and self-expression, bolstering confidence and self-esteem.

Why is pottery so relaxing?

The art of pottery is oftentimes described as therapeutic and relaxing. While spinning clay, your mind, and body are in natural synergy, wrapped around your creative ambitions and goals. This thoughtful, artistic activity can open up the mind and relieve you of outside worries.

Is pottery a good workout?

With pottery, your hands become your creative outlet and the stress relief is palpable. Believe it or not, its also a good physical workout as you use your arm muscles to “wedge” the clay (to get air bubbles out), and your core muscles to remain steady, especially when trying to center clay on the wheel.

Why is pottery so fun?

Creative Expression As a potter, you communicate through your art. You can create beautiful, sculptural and functional pieces with your own hands. This expression not only makes us happy, but it boosts our self esteem and gives us a feeling of accomplishment. (This is also why pottery classes are great for kids.)

How do I identify old crocks?

Characteristics of Original Crocks Stenciled or hand-drawn letters and numbers also appear on most old crocks. Decorations were always applied to the crock prior to the glazing process. An original stoneware crock has a very shiny, glass-like surface. Random bumps are telltale signs of a salt-glazed antique crock.