Posted by Maude Pattullo on March 30, 1999 at 21:28:18:
In Reply to: Re: woven bags posted by Marvin Amstey on March 30, 1999 at 08:40:52:
Actually, there is evidence from the early 6th millennium BC, from sites in the Western Zagros Mountains, that the earliest pottery was made (read, "pottery-making" was "discovered") by folks who coated woven baskets in mud, perhaps to keep the basket or food within from burning when set in the campfire. The textile, whether vegetal or animal fiber, burned away, leaving a very useful item behind in the ashes. Sherds impressed with actual 'textile' markings were discovered in the
late 1970's; I cannot remember the name of the
site, but I am pretty sure it was never properly
published.
Additionally, it is believed that the first "true" pottery from the same general region was decorated with excised patterns to mimic woven containers.
Much of this is, of course, in the eye of the beholder.
Maude Pattullo