Question 40-45
Archaeological literature is rich in descriptions of pot making. Unlike modern industrial
potters, prehistoric artisans created each of their pieces individually, using the simplest
technology but demonstrating remarkable skill in making and adorning their vessels.
Line The clay used in prehistoric pot making was invariably selected with the utmost care:
(5) often it was traded over considerable distances. The consistency of the clay was crucial:
it was pounded meticulously and mixed with water to make it entirely even in texture. By
careful kneading, the potter removed the air bubbles and made the clay as plastic as
possible, allowing it to be molded into shape as the pot was built up, When a pot is fired.
It loses its water and can crack, so the potter added a temper to the clay, a substance that
(10) Helped reduce shrinkage and cracking.
Since surface finishes provided a pleasing appearance and also improved the durability
In day-to-day use, the potter smoothed the exterior surface of the pot with wet hands. Often
A wet clay solution, known as a slip, was applied to the smooth surface. Brightly colored
Slips were often used and formed painted decorations on the vessel. In later times. glazes
(15) came into use in some areas. A glaze is a form of slip that turns to a glasslike finish during
high-temperature firing. When a slip was not applied, the vessel was allowed to dry slowly
until the external surface was almost like leather in texture. It was then rubbed with a
round stone or similar object to give it a shiny, hard surface. Some pots were adorned with
incised or stamped decorations.
(20) Most early pottery was then fired over open hearths. The vessels were covered with
Fast-burning wood; as it burned, the ashes would all around the pots and bake them
Evenly over a few hours. Far higher temperatures were attained in special ovens, known
As kilns, which would not only bake the clay and remove its plasticity, but also dissolve
Carbons and iron compounds. Kilns were also used for glazing, when two firings were
Needed, Once fired, the pots were allowed to cool slowly, and small cracks were repaired
Before they were ready for use.
【題組】44. Prehistoric potters applied slips and glazes to their vessels in order to do which of the
following?
(A) Improve the appearance of the vessels
(B) prevent the vessels from leaking
(C) Help the vessels a leather like quality
(D) Give the vessels a leather like quality
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