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Ancient Techniques - Ceramics

Nayarit ceramic female figure

 

Archaeologists have found thousands of examples of ceramics all over the Americas, in burials, in household settings or ritual placements and in refuse heaps. Clay was used to make plates and vessels, and figures of animals, people, deities, or combinations of all of these. Potters used clay to produce musical instruments, spindle whorls, beads, incense burners, ossuaries, and stamps.

The techniques used were the result of careful experimentation and transmitted learning - from elders to the next generation. Extraordinary results were achieved with very few tools but with sophisticated use of materials.

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