Who Invented Pottery Wheel? It is believed that the pottery wheel was first invented by ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia in 3000 BC.
In 2014, we were asked in pottery class about who the pottery wheel inventor was.
Only four students out of 52 came out with a closely related answer.
In this article, we will discuss the invention of the pottery wheel, the type of the pottery wheel, and also the History of the pottery wheel, the evolution of the pottery wheel, etc.
Also, know that if pottery wheel is hard to learn.
Also read: tools and equipment used in pottery and ceramics
Who Invented Pottery Wheel
Who Invented Pottery Wheel: The origins of Potter’s wheel are unclear since the pottery wheel is not like a telephone or electricity specifically dedicated to one person.
The pottery wheel has been considerable confusion to many people about who was the particular person that invented the pottery wheel.
The invention of the pottery wheel is believed to have taken place in ancient times, so it isn’t easy to attribute it to a single individual for the invention of Potter’s wheel.
Since the invention of Potter’s wheel is confusing, modern scholars and art historians suggest that the ancient Sumerians are the first to develop the pottery wheel in Mesopotamia.
It is said to be developed in Mesopotamia because the ancient Sumerians settled in Mesopotamia and used these tools to create round pieces of pottery.
The Sumerian people settled in Mesopotamia, what in modern life is Iraq, around 4000 B.C. C. It is believed that the first Potter’s wheels were plates or pots.
Potters placed their work on the plate or inside the pot, allowing them to turn the pottery so they could work on all sides simultaneously.
Around the year 3000 a. C., Mesopotamian potters developed a rudimentary turntable, the earliest example of a potter’s wheel.
Most of the pottery of that time was made using a rolling method, in which strips of clay were placed one on top of the other and shaped.
The invention of the turntable helped ancient potters to develop faster rolling processes.
The turntable wheel was a horizontally mounted wooden shield set in rotation by a foot drive.
The Potter turned the Potter’s wheel with his feet while shaping the pot from the clay placed on it with his hands.
The wheel rotation helped give the dish the desired symmetrical shape.
The Potter’s wheel facilitates the formation of symmetrical pots of equal thickness, allowing for their “mass” production.
The pottery wheel also contributed to the emergence of one of the first professions – the profession of a potter.
As time passed and turntables evolved, potters could make more complex pieces.
2,000 years of Egyptian History show many versions of the original turntable.
Potters were able to develop racks for their wheels, which allowed them to turn them more quickly.
As a result, pottery evolved, leading to the development of vases, jugs, and round-shaped items that could not have been created before the invention of the Potter’s wheel.
What Is A Potter’s Wheel?
The Potter’s wheel is a piece of equipment consisting of a rotating plate on itself and on which the clay to be shaped is placed.
If you want to know more about pottery, read our article on a pottery wheel.
Why Was The Pottery Wheel Invented
The pottery wheel was invented to speed up the work process of pottery making and make potters work more effectively.
The invention of the pottery wheel helps to design and shape clay to form any design.
The pottery wheel has helped a lot in the modern age and primitive age.
When there is no pottery wheel, the Potter finds it challenging to accomplish multiple projects daily.
Since the wheel is an invention, craft men can now produce in masses.
There is no doubt about how the pottery wheel has improved ceramics production.
The pottery wheel is one of the most essential tools in pottery making.
Using a pottery wheel instead of a non-rotating surface-like table for such a type of duty is fun.
Brief History Of Pottery Wheel
Who Invented Pottery Wheel: The invention of the pottery wheel is believed to have occurred in ancient times.
The invention of the pottery wheel is suggested to be first developed by ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia in 3000 BC.
No one knows the particular date that the pottery wheel was invented.
There is no particular person mentioned as the developer or owner. It is all referred to ancient Sumerians in Mesopotamia.
Suppose you like the lathe (pottery wheel). In that case, you will like to know where it comes from, its origin, and how it has evolved and reached our days despite the passing of the years and technological advances.
This craft tool had barely changed since its invention, respecting the same principle as when it first appeared.
The pottery wheel first appeared as a disk that allowed the Potter to mold the clay when turned.
Today we have electrically powered pottery wheels (lathes).
Also, read how to learn pottery at home.
The new invitation of the pottery wheel is made of materials that did not exist at the beginning, but, in essence, we can say that they were the same as today.
Perhaps that is why we like it so much, but if you want to know more about the History of the Potter’s Wheel, we will tell you about it here.
What Is The Evolution Of Pottery Wheel
Who Invented Pottery Wheel: There has been a gradual progression in the development of the pottery wheel.
The pottery wheel began in the primitive world and is now perfected in our time.
The pottery wheel has been modified from the mechanical functions of hand and foot to electricity.
Changes began from ancient times to this time respectively.
Below are the changes that pottery wheels have passed through by different scientists from ancient times to date.
Also, read the best clay for a pottery wheel.
The Hand Potter’s Wheel ( The First Sample Of The Model)
The design of the circle is based on a disc mounted on an axle.
Until our time, some African tribes used this version of the first hand-made Potter’s wheels.
The disk was set on a bench, and the Potter will sit on it and begin either himself or with the help of an assistant to rotate the circle.
It was not easy to carry out this type of tax sometimes. Donkeys and bulls were connected as a draft force a little later.
The wheel itself has not changed much since ancient times; only the materials from which it is made are being improved.
Even to date, other scientists are in deep research to modify the pottery wheel to make them better and easy for man.
Also, read the following;
Learn how to make picture frames with clay without a pottery wheel.
Know how to make soap dishes with clay without a pottery wheel.
Learn how to make a plate with clay.
Foot Circle Pottery Wheel (The Second Evolution Of The Circle)
In the foot pottery wheel time, a more convenient model of Potter’s wheel appeared on a foot-operated manual.
The pottery wheel passes through another development to lower the flywheel to the level of the leg at the bottom, which is rotated by the feet.
When the hands were freed from rotation, the artisans could make clay products many times more elegant and of better quality.
The Electric Driven Pottery Wheel (The Third Evolution)
In this area, the function of the rotator is performed by an electric motor.
It allows you to adjust the disc’s rotation speed and protects the material from splashing.
It increases the productivity of the artisans working on it, making beautiful and original products from clay and putting a piece of their soul into their creations.
Modern technology did not stop the production of pottery wheels. Instead, they developed this machine and made it more accessible and hand free, which is stress-less.
The only requirement on the electric pottery wheel is to toggle it on, and the Potter will set the required speed needed for their work.
With this new technology, the Potter can increase and reduce the speed of the dicks.
The only little disadvantage is that it does make some noise why the manual is quiet.
Conclusion
Having the proper knowledge about Who Invented Pottery Wheel is a great idea for you as a potter.
There are a few things to keep in mind when Using a pottery wheel, and they are;
No individual can take credit for developing Potter’s Wheel. Still, the discovery of ancient pottery equipment has helped establish its origin.
Further, your knowledge about pottery wheel it is time you read;
What is a pottery wheel and is Potter’s wheel hard to learn?
Having this knowledge of Who Invented Pottery Wheel will help a lot.
