Pottery for Democracy!
Making a replica ostraca with modern techniques to help discover how the ancients did it - that's called experimental archaeology!
What if in two thousand years an archaeologist uncovered your voting ballot, and what could it tell future historians about our modern values and democracy?
This is why ostraca, once discarded in the past, are actually valuable artefacts for historians today. From a broken piece of pottery we have a direct record of an ancient voting process. Citizens would scratch the name of the person they were voting to be exiled on broken pieces of pottery and dropped these pieces into the designated voting area in the agora. They would be collected and counted - if at least 6000 votes were cast, the unlucky person with the most votes would be exiled for 10 years.
These artefacts show us the power of people in ancient Athens!
In experimental archaeology, we can reinterpret ostraca to learn more about life in ancient society, from vase making to political rivalry. When archaeologists practice experimental archaeology, they will try and test their theories and studies of past human behaviour by actively replicating ancient structures, technologies, and processes.
Ceramic vases were essential items for daily life in ancient Athens. Even broken ceramics (sherds) were used as writing material in the democratic process of ostracism. For decoration, a refined slip was created over a multi-day process. In pottery, a slip is liquid clay that has been strained to make a very smooth consistency. A refined slip is specially made for decorative work on ceramics. When it was applied, the slip was only slightly darker than the actual vase. During a three stage firing process, oxygen was carefully manipulated by closing and opening the vents, causing the vessel to change colour and creating the iconic orange and black contrast, intricate designs and glossy sheen. Today, modern ceramics often involve using coloured glazes and electric kilns.
To interpret ostraca for object based learning, using modern and accessible materials, I chose terracotta clay, black underglaze and clear overglaze. I traced the clay to the average size of a pottery sherd. After drying, I applied the black underglaze, and etched ancient Greek letters into the clay.
Using modern firing techniques, the pieces go through a first firing, called a bisque fire. After applying a clear satin glaze, they are fired in the kiln a second and final time. This second glaze firing aims to replicate the sheen of ancient Greek slip decoration.
Have you ever tried to write a poster or a card, and misjudged the amount of space...starting with an ambitious 'HAPPY' but progressively smaller 'birthday'? Well, you're not alone! In this ostraca below, the ancient Greeks show us that this has always been a part of being human.
Think About It:
What are some differences between making ceramics in ancient Athens and making ceramics today?
Learn ancient Greek! Which letters look familiar or unfamiliar? Can you guess their sounds?
Until next time,
λεῖος πλόος!
Written by Stephanie Samartzis
Preservice Teacher, University of Melbourne
Hellenic Museum Intern
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