Pottery is a significant and visually striking aspect of Danish prehistoric artifacts, especially from the Stone Age. During this period, ceramics were crafted with elegant shapes and intricate patterns, showcasing the skill and artistry of the ancient potters.
Pottery plays a crucial role in assisting archaeologists in dating archaeological finds. Stone Age pottery has been meticulously categorized based on its form and decoration. Ceramic vessels can be categorized into various styles, each with its own specific duration. These distinct styles enable researchers to track the evolution of pottery and determine the age of different pottery items.
One of the most renowned examples of Stone Age pottery comes from a mound near Skarpsølling in Himmerland. This exquisite vessel dates back to around 3200 BC.
High-quality clay could typically be sourced from the banks of inland watercourses. To make the clay more resistant to fire and heat, it was often mixed with granite rubble. When potters crafted these vessels, they used thin "sausages" of clay to construct the pot. The surface was then carefully sanded, allowing for the application of decoration. Neolithic pottery, in particular, often featured intricate and beautiful patterns. These patterns were imprinted onto the vessel's surface using various tools and materials, including small sticks, shells, bones, or nails. Plant fiber cords were also used in the decorative process. Later on, patterns could be filled with a chalky substance that contrasted with the clay. Finally, the pottery was fired at temperatures ranging from 500 to 700 degrees, likely in a kiln or fire oven.
Throughout the Neolithic period, both the shapes and decorations of pottery evolved over time. These changes can be divided into distinct stylistic phases that can be dated relatively accurately. While pottery in prehistoric times was rooted in tradition and often conservative, it was also responsive to shifts in fashion and style. This adaptability makes pottery an invaluable tool for dating archaeological sites. Over a 600-year period (from 3400 to 2800 BC), there were a total of seven different stylistic phases in Danish pottery.
It's worth noting that the widespread use of pottery coincided with the rise of agriculture and animal husbandry. As people transitioned to farming, they needed vessels like pots to store grains and dairy products. While pottery vessels were also used towards the end of the Mesolithic period, they tended to be simpler and less varied in design. The diverse shapes and intricate decorations of Neolithic pottery likely held both practical and symbolic significance. Some ceramic vessels were unadorned and likely used for everyday purposes in households, while others were richly decorated. Many of the elaborately decorated vessels were placed outside Neolithic burial mounds, suggesting they may have had a sacrificial or ceremonial purpose.