Pottery Identification

Earthenware is the most common type of pottery found in archaeological sites because it is relatively easy to make and can be fired at low temperatures.

Earthenware is fired at a lower temperature than stoneware, is made from a different type of clay than stoneware, and is more porous than stoneware.

Porcelain is made from a different type of clay than bone china, contains animal bone ash, and is fired at a higher temperature than bone china.

Lead glaze is the most common type of glaze used on pottery because it is relatively easy to make and can be fired at a low temperature.

A glaze is applied to the surface of the pottery before it is fired, is made from a different type of material than a slip, and is fired at a higher temperature than a slip.

Painted decoration is the most common type of decoration used on pottery because it is relatively easy to do and can be used to create a wide variety of designs.

Incised decoration is carved into the surface of the pottery, is made with a sharp tool, and is fired at a lower temperature than relief decoration.

Molded decoration is made by pressing a mold into the surface of the pottery, is made with a different type of clay than slip decoration, and is fired at a higher temperature than slip decoration.

Terracotta pottery is the most common type of pottery found in India because it is relatively easy to make and can be fired at a low temperature.

Black-and-red ware is made from a different type of clay than Painted Grey Ware, is fired at a lower temperature than Painted Grey Ware, and is decorated with black and red paint, while Painted Grey Ware is decorated with grey paint.

Northern Black Polished Ware is made from a different type of clay than Black-and-red ware, is fired at a higher temperature than Black-and-red ware, and is decorated with a black glaze, while Black-and-red ware is decorated with black and red paint.

Terracotta pottery is the most common type of pottery found in the Indus Valley Civilization because it is relatively easy to make and can be fired at a low temperature.

Harappan pottery is made from a different type of clay than Mesopotamian pottery, is fired at a lower temperature than Mesopotamian pottery, and is decorated with different designs than Mesopotamian pottery.

Faience pottery is the most common type of pottery found in ancient Egypt because it is relatively easy to make and can be fired at a low temperature.

Faience pottery is made from a different type of clay than porcelain pottery, is fired at a lower temperature than porcelain pottery, and is decorated with different designs than porcelain pottery.