WORKSHOP OF PRIMITIVE POTTERY

Primitive Clay Working Technique Course: A Journey into the Neolithic Age

During this workshop, we will explore clay working using techniques that date back to prehistoric times, specifically the Neolithic period. This period marks one of the most important transitions in the history of humanity, when man began to move from a nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle, giving rise to the first form of agriculture and the creation of stable villages. In this context, working with clay became an essential art for daily life, allowing the creation of useful and ritual objects such as containers, vases and tools for cooking food.

The Discovery and Use of Clay in the Neolithic Period

In the Neolithic era, about 10,000 years ago, man discovered the potential of clay, an abundant and easily moldable material that began to be used for the production of tools, containers and ritual objects. The discovery of clay was probably linked to the need to contain and preserve food, but it soon spread to other areas of daily life.

Initially, clay was worked in a very simple way: the first humans used their hands and rudimentary tools to model the material. This process, although primitive, was already quite sophisticated, since the clay could be left to dry in the sun or baked in the fire to make it more resistant.

Primitive Working Techniques

During the Neolithic period there were two main techniques for working with clay: modeling by hand and the coil construction technique.

1. Modeling by Hand: The simplest and most direct technique, which involved using the hands to create vases and containers. Over time, primitive man learned to use natural tools to improve the shape of objects and increase their functionality.
   
2. Spiral Construction: This technique consists of creating the body of an object by adding layers of clay on top of each other, forming a spiral that is then modeled until the desired shape is obtained. This method allows for the construction of large pots and containers.
   

As craftsmanship evolved, primitive man began to develop more advanced firing techniques, such as the use of rudimentary ovens or firing pots in an open fire, using natural heat to make the clay more durable.

Clay and Neolithic Society

In the Neolithic period, the production of ceramics became a fundamental part of daily life, not only for practical purposes but also for rituals. Ceramic objects were often decorated with geometric, symbolic and animal motifs, which reflected the spiritual and cultural connection between humans and nature and the gods.

Working with clay, therefore, wasn't just an activity linked to survival, but also an expression of creativity and cultural identity. Decorated vases and statuettes were used in religious rituals and as a sign of status within the community.

The Role of Pottery in the Neolithic Period

Clay pottery played a crucial role in daily life. Pots were used to store and transport food, but also to conserve water and cook food. In a period when food preservation techniques were primitive, pottery was one of the few ways to extend the shelf life of food products.

In addition, ceramics were also one of the most traded objects among the first agricultural communities. The trade of vases and containers was, in fact, a means of consolidating social relations and feeding local economies.

Conclusion

During this course, we will immerse ourselves in primitive clay working techniques, trying to reproduce the production methods of the time with the tools at our disposal. We will use clay to create vases, bowls and other objects, inspired by Neolithic traditions. In addition to learning an ancient practice, we will discover how clay working was linked to the daily life and spirituality of primitive man, combining history with manual skills.

At the end of the course, you will have the opportunity to make your own personal object, like the artisans of the past, and understand its importance from both a practical and cultural point of view.

Do you want to gift or have an exclusive and fully personalized experience?

Discover the allure of a PRIVATE One2One COURSE, an immersive journey into the art of leather crafting, where every moment is dedicated to you. Under the careful guidance of our master craftsman, you will learn the finest techniques, shape your creativity and make a unique piece, the fruit of your vision and talent. All wrapped up in the charming atmosphere of our workshop, in the heart of the medieval village of Sorano.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for those who wish to deepen, experiment and hone their skills in an intimate and inspiring environment where craft meets art.

Contact us now to reserve your customized experience: info@prometheus-leatherwork.com