Early humans making pottery
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Early humans making pottery
Early humans making pottery, coloured artwork. Clay was one of the first materials to be used by early humans after they discovered how to start fires. Sand or straw would be mixed with the clay to improve the quality of the pottery. The potter would shape balls of clay (lower right) into rings, and use these to build up the pot layer by layer. The pot was then forged in a fire (centre left). Original artwork published in Primitive Man (Louis Figuier, 1870)
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6468043
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1870 Anthropological Anthropology Boys Cave Man Child Children Clay Fire Fossil Human Fossil Man Hominid Hominids Humans Louis Figuier Making Out Side Outdoors Potter Pottery Pre Historic Pre History Prehistoric Human Primitive Human Primitive Man Shaping Worker Workers Artisan Palaeontology Potters
EDITORS COMMENTS
This artwork captures a pivotal moment in human history - the birth of pottery-making. In this vibrant illustration, we are transported back to a time when early humans first harnessed the power of fire and discovered the versatility of clay. The scene unfolds outdoors, where a group of European early humans can be seen engrossed in their craft. A skilled potter, an adult Caucasian male, stands at the center-left, carefully forging a pot over an open fire. His hands expertly shape balls of clay into rings that are stacked layer by layer to create the vessel. Surrounding him are children and workers eagerly observing and learning from his techniques. The presence of these young minds highlights how knowledge was passed down through generations even in prehistoric times. To enhance the quality of their creations, sand or straw is mixed with the clay before shaping it into pots. This ingenious use of materials demonstrates early humans' resourcefulness and adaptability. Published in 1870 as part of "Primitive Man" by Louis Figuier, this colored artwork not only showcases our ancestors' technological advancements but also serves as a testament to human ingenuity throughout history. As we gaze upon this image today, we cannot help but marvel at how far we have come since those primitive days – from humble beginnings to complex civilizations built on foundations laid by these pioneering artisans.
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