Potsherd: meaning, definitions and examples
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potsherd
[ˈpɒtʃərd ]
Definition
fragment, pottery
A potsherd is a broken piece of ceramic material, often found during archaeological excavations. These fragments are remnants of pottery, jars, or other ceramic items that have been damaged or discarded. Potsherds are valuable to archaeologists and historians as they provide insights into past cultures, including styles, usage, and technology. They can reveal information about the daily life of people, their trade practices, and even artistic expressions.
Synonyms
ceramic fragment, pot fragment, pottery shard.
Examples of usage
- Archaeologists unearthed several potsherds at the ancient site.
- The study of potsherds can help identify ancient cooking practices.
- He collected potsherds during his hike through the historic ruins.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from Middle English 'potteshard', which combines 'pot' and 'shard', meaning a piece of a broken object.
- In Old English, 'sceard' meant a piece or fragment, emphasizing the broken nature of these objects.
Historical Significance
- Potsherds are crucial for archaeologists, as they help date sites and understand ancient cultures.
- In some ancient societies, pottery fragments tell stories about trade, technology, and daily life.
- Early examples of pottery appear around 29,000 BC, showcasing the long history of clay usage.
Arts and Crafts
- Potsherds have been used in art to create mosaics, adding beauty and history to modern pieces.
- Some artists incorporate potsherds into sculptures, bridging ancient and contemporary art forms.
Cultural Insights
- In various indigenous cultures, potsherds are often decorated with symbols and designs that reflect their beliefs and lifestyle.
- Finding potsherds during excavations can reveal the dietary habits and cooking techniques of past societies.
Science and Archaeology
- Paleobotany studies often use potsherds to find remnants of food, revealing ancient diets and agricultural practices.
- Radiocarbon dating can be applied to organic materials found in association with potsherds, helping to date the pottery indirectly.
Translations
Translations of the word "potsherd" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fragmento de cerâmica
🇮🇳 मिट्टी का टुकड़ा
🇩🇪 Tonscherbe
🇮🇩 pecahan tembikar
🇺🇦 черепок
🇵🇱 skruszona ceramika
🇯🇵 陶器の破片
🇫🇷 morceau de poterie
🇪🇸 fragmento de cerámica
🇹🇷 seramik parçası
🇰🇷 도자기 조각
🇸🇦 شظية فخار
🇨🇿 kousek keramiky
🇸🇰 kúsok keramiky
🇨🇳 陶片
🇸🇮 kos keramike
🇮🇸 keramikusneit
🇰🇿 керамика фрагменті
🇬🇪 თიხის ნაჭერი
🇦🇿 keramika parçası
🇲🇽 fragmento de cerámica