You might not think much about the origins of your favorite coffee mug or beaded necklace. Yet, taken together, pottery and beads hold a special place in human history. Researchers have long studied ancient pottery and beads to unearth buried secrets about our collective past.
These items, often found in archaeological sites, can offer a wealth of insights into ancient cultures — for a variety of different reasons.
The Origins of Pottery
Beginning with pottery, this humble craft may have a stake as one of humankind's most significant inventions, as it’s played an important role in societies across the globe for thousands of years. A dizzying array of pottery styles were developed by ancient cultures like those in Greece, Japan, Peru, and more. Varying widely in style and decoration, these ceramics became an integral part of everyday life.
