Photo by V. Miller
Dec. 20, 2006
Ancient Pottery
How Can Modern Potters Make Their Pots Like Prehistoric People Did?
Theo Jones, 13, Tucson, Ariz.
Finalist, Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, 2006
Project background: Encouraged by his father, an archaeologist, and his own budding interest, Theo wanted to explore techniques that prehistoric people used to make pottery. Specifically, he wondered whether he could use modern methods to duplicate the colors and textures of pottery made by the Hohokam, who once lived in the U.S. Southwest.
Tactics and results: Theo knew that previous studies had shown that iron oxide and manganese dioxide are responsible for the red and black colors on Hohokam pottery. So, he painted these two colors on two types of clay. He fired the clay in a kiln at two temperatures.
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| Photo by V. Miller |
Theo found that using a lower temperature and earthenware clay accurately duplicated the look of Hohokam pottery.
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