The place of ceramic as a cultural abject from Neolithic Age to the First Age

Ceramics is one of the first material media not provided by nature but created by human skill and labour. To look at the time that has passed since humans first stood on two feet and began exercising the brains and hands, the 8000 years of ceramic history is a very slim slice. Regarding the place and importance of ceramics in social life, the intensive use of ceramics begin in the Neolithic Age and went on to the First Age. After this its use began to decline due to the increased use of metal and other materials, as well as to changing life styles. The place of ceramics in social life varies from one culture to another. While it may enjoy a respected and influential place in one society, it may have little more than a functional role in another As a cultural medium, ceramics carries, significance of various kinds; its technological, religious, functional, social economic and mythological significance determines its place in the culture of the society which creates and utilises it. Wherever descriptions of ancient cultures are undertaken, they are invariably based heavily on ceramic findings. Their durability over thousands of years makes them a veritable treasure-trove for the archaeologist, the depictions they bear holding a light over the traditions, daily life and customs of ancient times.