Ceramics
Peri E.
Embedded Files
Figure 1- Assyrian Ceramic Juglet from Mesopotamia- 1900-1600 B.C.
What are ceramics?
What are ceramics?
Ceramics, is the molding of clay used to make things such as vessels to store things and a system used to keep governmental records. Along with storing things, these vessels were used in religious practices for things like holding different forms of food and drink, and offerings, as a symbol of connection between the physical and spiral worlds. Civilizations and periods like the Halaf culture, Ubiad culture, and the Uruk period, in the earlier time periods and the Akadian Empire, Ur lll Dynasty, and the Babylonian period in the later periods using many of these techniques and ways of using(“12.5: Mesopotamia”).
Figure 2- An ancient Mesopotamian potter's wheel
How were ceramics made?
How were ceramics made?
As some may see the Autumn flood was destructive and a un helpful occurrence that happens every year, this is quite the opposite. This left sorted sediment, perfect for molding, on the surface of riverbanks ready to collect for Mesopotamians to have fresh clay(Van Buylaere). Eventually leading to them using several different techniques such as, coiling, hand-building the clay, and later leading to the invention of the potter's wheel.
Figure 3- Ancient Mesopotamian drawing of children using clay tablets to learn.
The Impact of Ceramics
The Impact of Ceramics
Along with governmental records the Mesopotamia's were impacted by being able to teach kids in the school system how to write in cuneiform. While both of these things are writing based, being able to write in these earl civilizations was a big deal. So teaching children when small could lead to very successful and impactful roles in the community(History On The Net).
How where ceramics used?
How where ceramics used?
In early Mesopotamia, ceramics were often used for storage of foods and goods, for keeping governmental records, and were often used in schools for the kids to put information down on clay tablets. Starting approximately between the years of 5000 to 4000 B.C., clay and ceramic pieces started becoming more and more popular throughout the years. Not only was clay used to help write things, it was also used in building, especially bricks. As seen in many different civilizations, each have their own way of expressing their own creative paintings and personalized design. Allowing them to turn ordinary and plain pieces into detail and beautiful masterpieces(Sanders).
Figure 4- Mesopotamian pottery jar from the Halaf period(4900-4300 B.C.).
Figure 5- Clay tablet used by Mesopotamia for writing.
Why were ceramics needed?
Why were ceramics needed?
Being able to use clay tablets to write on was a huge help in this ancient civilization. This important invention allowed the Mesopotamian people to write down governmental records. Giving them a permanente and transferable way to access and use the records. Different civilizations around Mesopotamia used this innovation to their advantage. And were able to use the technology for themselves(“The Importance of Clay Tablets in Ancient Civilizations - LIS (Library & Information Science) Academy”). Being able to use clay tablets improved the day-to-day life for the Mesopotamian life style for long periods of time.
Still wanting more?
-FUN GAMES AND TEACHING TOOLS ABOUT ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIA
"A rich cite to give ideas and activities about what one could do in class for a project or at home to help study."
-Ducksters- Ancient Mesopotamia
"Need a quick look at a cite to study? Well this one is perfect, it has rich information and a short quiz to make sure you've got it."
"Want a more in-depth way of learning about ceramics and pottery. Though not all about Mesopotamia, this is a great source to learn more about ceramics."
Page updated
Report abuse