2024 Academia Sinica Open House

Pottery clay was one of the most important quotidian resources in prehistoric times, evidenced by ceramic pottery largely being used to store and preserve other items or as embellishment. Numerous related artifacts such as jars, spinning wheels, and ceramic figurines, all of which are exquisitely decorated with motifs and carry their own distinctive features, have been unearthed at archaeological sites throughout Taiwan. This event employs both exhibitions, namely on decorative motifs, and interactive crafts to introduce participants to the various prehistoric uses of pottery.

1. DIY Ceramicware (registration required): Center for Taiwanese Archaeology staff will lead participants in making smaller pieces of ceramicware by hand to experience the joys of pottery making. Two sessions, one in the morning and in the afternoon, will be organized for up to a maximum of 25 participants. Registering online prior to the activity will be required.

2. Exhibition on Decorative Motifs: A poster exhibition will show the various types of decorative motifs found on the ceramic artifacts held in the IHP’s collections.