The World of Pinch Pots
Pinch pots are one of the oldest forms of art, dating back to ancient times where they were called "thumb pots", because the thumb is used to pinch the pot into formation. The history of this art dates back almost 12,000 years, and it is considered to be one of the first forms of creating art out of clay established. The history of pottery is believed to have been begun from around 29,000 to 25,000 BC, when word of the invention of the first Potter's Wheel started circulating. The pottery wheel was first created in Ancient Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq), dating from somewhere around 6,000 to 4,000 BC. And the kilns were just large bonfires. The invention of this wheel really seemed to set off a pottery trend throughout the world. So far, the first pottery (pots as well as other utility items) objects were discovered in China, in a cave refered to as Yuchanyan Cave. They are estimated to be about 18 THOUSAND years old. Many more Pottery items have been found dating back to around 10,000 BC in both China and Japan. No one is quite sure where the idea to actually glaze and color the pottery began, but the idea sure has added beauty to an already articulate form of art. I am truly fascinated by the work Native Americans did with clay, coming from a line of Native Americans myself it has always been a wonder to me. It is said that they first started forming pots out of clay due to their agricultural needs, turning them into vessels to carry such things as seeds or that in which they produced. They were also used to collect water, and soon became cooking pots as well as gather/planting tools. Women were known as the chief pottery makers, due to the fact that they were both the planters and gatherers in these times. Designs hadn't started forming on these pots yet, except for the occassional coil or splotch of lines. But soon, images of life, birds, humans, and Gods began appearing on these now deemed works of art. Native Americans were known to never divulge their sacred secrets, including the meaning of all designs made onto these pots the women so thoroughly created. Their beauty is simply meant to be enjoyed, many try to create beauty and forget to notice that which is already there. My most favorite Native American pottery comes from the Southwest Native American tribes, such as the Pueblo and Navajo. They have extremely unique designs, such as images of the sun and many vibrant colors. They are bold, just as I am, and I LOVE that about them.
All in all, pottery has a very interesting history. I could ramble on forever, because history is definitely my forte, as well as art. Every form of art should be appreciated, especially that which is formed by something that is naturally unique and beautiful in it's own special way. The wonderful, crazy, infuriating, time consuming, fulfilling world of pottery.... Here I come.
Websites Used as Referals:
http://www.brothers-handmade.com/potteryhistory.html
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/waaw/peterson/petersonessay2.html
All in all, pottery has a very interesting history. I could ramble on forever, because history is definitely my forte, as well as art. Every form of art should be appreciated, especially that which is formed by something that is naturally unique and beautiful in it's own special way. The wonderful, crazy, infuriating, time consuming, fulfilling world of pottery.... Here I come.
Websites Used as Referals:
http://www.brothers-handmade.com/potteryhistory.html
http://www.cla.purdue.edu/waaw/peterson/petersonessay2.html