Our ancestors believed that the gods were the first potters: making stars, the Sun, the Moon, the Earth, and then all living creatures out of clay. Potters commanded the four elements: earth, water, air, and fire, so no wonder they held such high status in society. Like sorcerers, they transformed moist clay fired in a kiln into works of art. Pottery in Ukraine dates back to the Neolithic era.
Ancient masters crafted dishware, toys, tiles, jugs, and cups. Each piece had its own artistic features depending on the properties of the local clay, as well as the technological level and regional traditions of the era. Take a look! Before you are ceramics spanning from the Pit Grave Culture to the early Scythians.
(Pit Grave Culture, late stage, 3rd millennium BC, Uman region)
Potters of the Pit Grave Culture made ceramics from clay with sand inclusions. They formed vessels by stacking lumps of the material, then smoothing the surface. The pots were often decorated with dimples, comb patterns or impressions — likely to strengthen the walls. They inherited this technique from the Trypillians.
(Early Scythians, 6th century BC, Zolotonosha region)
Scythians decorated their vessels with various ornaments, most commonly geometric figures. Here you can see triangles made from hatched bands, their tips marked with small punctured dimples.
(Corded Ware Culture, late stage, 16th–15th centuries BC, Zolotonosha region)
This Culture existed briefly — from the 16th to the 14th centuries BC. Its name comes from a distinctive decoration technique: clay cords were applied to earthenware at different angles, creating intricate net-like patterns.
