Ancient Art Project
Ceramic artifacts hold a particularly important place in archaeology as they are one of the few material
traces that remain from many ancient cultures. They offer clues of the material culture of these
societies, and aid in speculation about the structure of their culture. Fired clay is incredibly durable.
Vessels used for storing, cooking and serving food have been dated around 12 and 13,000 years ago in
ancient Japan.
For this project you will find and research an ancient ceramic art work. When searching for this work of
art, keep in mind that you will be replicating it and the technique used to make it in class. Your ancient
work that you select must meet the following criteria:
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It must be hand built (no wheel thrown pieces)
It must be ceramic and made out of clay (the type of clay does not matter)
It cannot date any sooner than 1915
You must be able to find significant information about it (a picture is not enough)
What will be required for the paper part of the project?
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A cover page with a title, your name and a picture of the ancient ceramic work
1-2 page body including the following:
o A detailed description of the work selected. Describe it as if you were talking to a blind
person. What is its shape, height, color, how is it decorated, etc…
o A description of the culture the work selected came from.
o A description of the work’s purpose, reason, symbolism or functionality.
o Why you chose the work
o Once you have replicated the work in class – a description of your experience replicating
the work of art.
A works cited page with at least 3 references (1 must be from a source outside of the internet)
Proper structure, grammar and punctuation. Original thoughts and ideas (any plagiarized work
will be an automatic zero and will result in a written referral).
What will be required for the in-class clay part of the project?
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Sketch your ancient work of art from three different angles, in color (if applicable)
Use accurate and correct hand building techniques when making your replica
Use accurate joining methods to join pieces together
Use accurate and correct decorative methods (glaze, underglaze, sgrafitto)
All details of the work being replicated is accurate