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Lasers and Chemistry Reveal How Ancient Pottery Was Made -- and How an Empire Functioned
Pottery is one of the oldest human inventions, dating back to the Neolithic period. It has been used for various purposes, including cooking, storage, and decoration. Ancient pottery provides valuable insights into the culture, technology, and economy of past civilizations. However, understanding how ancient pottery was made can be challenging due to the lack of written records and the deterioration of archaeological materials over time. Fortunately, modern science has provided new tools for investigating ancient pottery, such as lasers and chemistry. In this article, we will explore how lasers and chemistry have revealed how ancient pottery was made and how an empire functioned.
Introduction
Pottery is a ubiquitous artifact found in archaeological sites worldwide. It is made by shaping clay into a desired form and then firing it at high temperatures to harden it. The firing process transforms the clay into a durable material that can withstand heat, water, and other environmental factors. However, the exact methods used by ancient potters to create their vessels are not always clear from the archaeological record. This is where modern science comes in.
The Study
A recent study published in the journal *Nature Communications* used lasers and chemistry to analyze ancient pottery from the Wari Empire in Peru. The Wari Empire was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished from 600 to 1000 CE in the Andean highlands of Peru. The Wari people were known for their sophisticated art, architecture, and engineering skills.
The researchers used a technique called laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to analyze the chemical composition of the pottery samples. This technique involves using a laser to vaporize small amounts of material from the surface of the pottery and then analyzing the resulting vapor with a mass spectrometer. By analyzing the chemical composition of the pottery, the researchers were able to determine the source of the clay used to make the vessels.
Results
The results of the study revealed that the Wari potters used a variety of clay sources to make their vessels. Some of the clay came from local sources, while others were imported from distant regions. The researchers also found evidence of chemical signatures that indicated the use of organic materials, such as plants and animals, in the production of the pottery.
The study also revealed that the Wari potters used a variety of techniques to create their vessels. Some vessels were made using a coiling technique, where long ropes of clay were coiled on top of each other to create the desired shape. Other vessels were made using a molding technique, where clay was pressed into a mold to create a specific form.
Implications
The use of lasers and chemistry to analyze ancient pottery has important implications for our understanding of past civilizations. By analyzing the chemical composition of pottery, we can determine where the clay came from and how it was processed. This information can provide insights into trade networks, resource management, and technological innovation.
In addition, the study of ancient pottery can reveal information about social organization and cultural practices. For example, certain types of pottery may be associated with specific social groups or religious practices. By studying these artifacts, we can gain a better understanding of how ancient societies functioned and what their values and beliefs were.
Conclusion
In conclusion, lasers and chemistry have provided new tools for investigating ancient pottery and understanding how it was made. The recent study on Wari pottery in Peru demonstrates how these techniques can reveal important information about trade networks, resource management, technological innovation, social organization, and cultural practices. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more insights into the past through the study of ancient artifacts.
FAQs
1. What is pottery?
Pottery is an artifact made by shaping clay into a desired form and then firing it at high temperatures to harden it.
2. What is the Wari Empire?
The Wari Empire was a pre-Columbian civilization that flourished from 600 to 1000 CE in the Andean highlands of Peru.
3. What is laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)?
LA-ICP-MS is a technique used to analyze the chemical composition of materials by using a laser to vaporize small amounts of material and then analyzing the resulting vapor with a mass spectrometer.
4. What can the study of ancient pottery reveal about past civilizations?
The study of ancient pottery can reveal information about trade networks, resource management, technological innovation, social organization, and cultural practices.
5. How can modern science help us understand ancient artifacts?
Modern science provides new tools and techniques for analyzing ancient artifacts, such as lasers and chemistry, which can reveal important information about past civilizations.
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