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The Amazing Transformation of Clay: How Did Ancient People Use It to Make the First Pottery?
In ancient times, clay was viewed as a wonderful material gifted by nature, bringing endless possibilities to the lives of early humans. From early practical utensils to the creation of works of art, the ancients used their talent and wisdom to make full use of the plasticity and durability of clay and pioneered the wonderful journey of pottery.
Clay is not only a natural material, but also a witness to human civilization.
How did early pottery come about? Archaeologists have found that the oldest pottery fragments date back to 14,000 BC and were found in what is now central Japan. These pottery vessels were tools used by people at that time to record and transmit knowledge, symbolizing human understanding and control of nature. Through the reaction with other minerals in the local soil, the ancients successfully transformed this material into resources and made various utensils to meet their daily needs.
Clay exhibits plasticity when wet, a property that allowed ancient people to easily mold it into desired shapes in daily life. After firing, these vessels solidify their shape and become more durable. This process not only improved people's quality of life, but also laid the foundation for later craft arts.
In ancient society, the development of pottery was not only a technological innovation, but also a symbol of culture.
In addition to its practicality, the formation of pottery also reflects the ancient people's pursuit of beauty. In China, early pottery was often decorated with unique patterns, which not only added beauty but also conveyed social status and meaning. The pottery at this time not only carried the necessities of daily life, but also served as a work of art, reflecting the culture and beliefs of the time.
As civilization developed, pottery-making techniques and styles evolved across regions and cultures. For example, in ancient Babylon at the Bay of Mshi, clay tablets unearthed show its importance in written records. The tablets were made from soft white clay; the shapes of the letters were the cornerstone of human writing and became an important tool for cultural record keeping.
Tao Gao's poems inherit the ancient people's understanding and experience of the world.
Over time, human use of clay expanded from simple pottery making to architecture, art, and the creation of everyday objects. The unique pottery of the Inca civilization and the exquisite and gorgeous pottery of ancient Egypt can be said to be the cultural representatives of the society at that time.
After the Industrial Revolution, new technologies changed the way opals and pottery were produced, but the value of clay pottery remained. Today, many traditional crafts are combined with modern technologies to bring greater creative space. The market for ceramics remains thriving, with ceramics being used in everything from everyday items to high-end artworks, demonstrating their enduring appeal.
So far, the history of clay has confirmed its unique status in different eras. This earliest pottery not only exists in every land, but also plants the seeds of history in every civilization. Does this evolution suggest that humans’ use of natural materials will continue to evolve over time?
