The Advent of Pottery

[Narration]
This room exhibits pottery vessels that are typical of the Neolithic Age.

[Tourist]
I see, but this pottery looks so simple and rough.

[Narration]
Although they are not very elaborately made, this pottery signifies a great change in the way of life of prehistoric humans.

Agriculture began in the Neolithic Age. Up until then, people depended on hunting and gathering for their survival, but the emergence of agriculture brought about a dramatic change in their lifestyle, along with social and cultural advances. Thus it is known as the Neolithic Revolution.

Farming, compared to hunting and gathering, was sedentary and resulted in an accumulation of produce. Neolithic people invented pottery vessels to cook and store food.

[Tourist]
Now they look different to me. By the way, why is the bottom of the vessel pointed like an egg?

[Narration]
These pots were usually sunk into the ground to prevent them from tipping over, so the pointed base made that easier to do.

[Tourist]
I see. There are also some patterns on the surface.

[Narration]
Yes, it is called the comb-pattern. Although it is very simple, it attests to the aesthetic sense of Neolithic people.