5,000-year-old fingerprints reveal the creators of Neolithic pottery

July 4, 2021

Analysis of a fragment of ancient vessel found at Ness of Brodgar, a vast Neolithic cathedral-style complex, has illuminated an “unparalleled glimpse” into life at the remarkable site during the period.

In April, it was announced that a fingerprint was discovered on a clay vessel excavated from the site by a team led by the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute.

Further scrutiny of a digital model created by ceramic specialist Jan Blatchford has now revealed another two prints, both belonging to two young men.

“This single sherd has brought two back into the spotlight and given us an unparalleled glimpse into life at the Ness complex 5,000 years ago. It also raises many questions.

"The creation of this pot involved an adolescent boy – did he fashion the vessel or was he just involved in the manufacturing process, perhaps overseen by a more experienced potter?

"Were all children engaged in the creation of pottery from an early age or was it a task that involved a select few? Were different types of vessel created by different people within the household or community?

“The analysis has much wider implications in the study of Neolithic ceramics, but we will need many more fingerprint examples before any firm conclusions can be drawn.”

Source: https://www.scotsman.com/news/people/fingerprints-of-two-young-male-potters-found-on-5000-year-old-orkney-vessel-3271279