Pottery 1 Origins (Between 7 and 1 million years ago)

Our evolutionary history began over 6 million years ago in Africa. Today we are the only living representatives of the group of bipedal primates called hominins, but this was not always the case. In the past, different genera and species of our ancestors shared geographic regions and their timelines overlapped.

What defines and differentiates us as humans? The boundary is traditionally drawn at the development of a larger brain, bipedalism, use of technology or the creation of social strategies based on solidarity and altruism. Perhaps the bigger questions are where and how these processes originated and, even more importantly, how those now-extinct branches of the human family contributed to our present-day biological and cultural makeup.

Sedentism and Storage

Preserving surplus food was vital for guaranteeing the renewal of the farming cycle. It also created a reserve stock that the population could fall back on in the event of problems with essential supplies.

Although there were several well-established methods of preserving surplus food (freezing, drying, salting, pickling and heat treatments such as smoking, roasting and boiling), when harvests yielded quantities in excess of the group’s immediate needs it became necessary to develop storage systems such as silos and large vessels that would preserve the quality of the grain for long periods of time.

The presence of silos, large vessels and heavy grindstones led to more stable and ultimately permanent settlements in a given territory, creating group awareness and providing a place in which to amass wealth.

Changes in the Menu

Grains and pulses acquired great importance in the Neolithic diet. New utensils for preparing them were developed, such as hand mills and grindstones, but the process that had the greatest impact on new culinary practices was pottery. The use of clay pots meant that foodstuffs could be heated to over 100 °C, making previously inedible products fit for consumption by eliminating toxins that remain present at lower temperatures. However, the changes in diet and new activities also had negative consequences, such as the pathologies apparent in bone alterations, produced by physical overexertion as well as the presence of cavities and worn-down teeth caused by the consumption of food with abrasive agents and by the use of the incisors as a means of support.

 

National Archaeological Museum, Madrid.