Pottery is one of the oldest and most important crafts in human history. It has been used for thousands of years to make various items, such as bowls, plates, vases, and many more. The process of creating pottery requires skill, patience, and creativity, and it has been a vital part of human culture since its inception. However, the question of when pottery was invented is still a matter of debate among historians and archaeologists.

The earliest evidence of pottery dates back to the Neolithic period, which began around 10,000 BCE. During this time, humans began to settle in permanent villages and began to cultivate crops and raise livestock. This led to the development of new tools and technologies, including pottery.

The oldest known pottery was discovered in the Amur River basin in eastern Russia. This pottery is believed to be over 20,000 years old and was created by the Jomon people, who were one of the first groups of people to settle in Japan. The Jomon people created intricate designs and patterns on their pottery, which were often used for cooking and storing food.

In other parts of the world, pottery also began to emerge during the Neolithic period. In China, pottery was developed around 7,000 BCE, and it was used for cooking and storage. The Chinese also created porcelain, which is a type of pottery made from a mixture of clay and other materials. Porcelain was highly valued and was often used for decorative purposes.

In Africa, pottery was also developed during the Neolithic period. The Nok culture, which existed in what is now Nigeria around 1,500 BCE, created elaborate pottery sculptures that depicted animals and humans. The Nok people also used pottery for cooking and storage.

In the Americas, pottery was developed independently by different cultures. The Olmec culture, which existed in what is now Mexico around 1400 BCE, created pottery that was used for religious and ceremonial purposes. The Maya culture, which existed in what is now Central America around 2000 BCE, also created pottery that was used for religious ceremonies.

It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when pottery was invented because it emerged independently in different parts of the world at different times. However, it is clear that pottery has been a vital part of human culture for thousands of years and has played an important role in the development of human civilization.

One of the reasons why pottery was so important is that it allowed humans to store and preserve food. Before pottery, people had to rely on natural materials, such as gourds and animal skins, to store food. These materials were often perishable and could not be reused. With pottery, people could create durable containers that could be reused multiple times.

Pottery also allowed humans to create new tools and technologies. For example, the potter’s wheel was invented during the Bronze Age, which allowed potters to create more precise and uniform pottery. This, in turn, allowed for the creation of more complex and intricate designs.

In addition to its practical uses, pottery also had important cultural and artistic significance. Many cultures used pottery for religious and ceremonial purposes, and pottery was often decorated with intricate designs and patterns. In some cultures, pottery was also used to depict important historical events, such as battles and other important events.

The invention of pottery was a significant milestone in human history. It allowed for the storage and preservation of food, the creation of new tools and technologies, and had important cultural and artistic significance. While the exact origins of pottery are still debated, it is clear that it has played a vital role in the development of human civilization.