What is Greek pottery made of?
What is Greek pottery made of?
The kind of clay that the Greeks used was secondary clay, i.e. clay that has been transported from its original source by rivers and rain, and deposited. As it is transported, the clay accretes other materials, most notably iron. It is the iron content in the clay that gives Greek pottery its colour.
How old is Greek pottery?
Ancient Greek pottery is one of the greatest archaeological survivors that offers a fascinating insight into one of the earliest human civilizations. From c. 1000 to c. 400 BCE, Greek artisans crafted clay vessels for everyday use—think vases, cups, and plates.
What was Greek pottery used for?
Ancient Greek Pottery The Ancient Greeks made pots from clay. Large pots were used for cooking or storing food and small bowls and cups were made for people to eat and drink from. Pots were also used for decoration, and when people died, they were cremated (burned) and their ashes were buried in pots.
Why was Greek pottery important?
For the ancient Greeks, vases were mostly functional objects made to be used, not just admired. They used ceramic vessels in every aspect of their daily lives: for storage, carrying, mixing, serving, and drinking, and as cosmetic and perfume containers.
Why is Greek pottery important?
Greek pottery also provides important documentation for many aspects of ancient Greek life through painted scenes, especially on Attic Black and Red Figure vessels. A large number of these scenes illustrate the myths and legends of the ancient Greeks.
What are the main styles of Greek pottery?
There are four main types of Greek pottery: Geometric, Corinthian, Athenian Black-figure, and Athenian red-figure pottery.
Who made the first pottery?
The first high-fired glazed ceramics were produced in China, during the Shang (1700-1027 BC) dynasty period. At sites such as Yinxu and Erligang, high-fired ceramics appear in the 13th-17th centuries BC.
What was Greek pottery called?
For specific treatments of the major physical types of Greek pottery, see alabastron; amphora; hydria; kantharos; krater; kylix; lekythos; oinochoe; and psykter.
What were the Greek pots used for?
