Clay & Culture: Making Ancient History Hands On Pottery Workshop

Clay & Culture: Sculpting Ancient History. All materials provided. Just bring your curiosity!

Have you ever wondered how our ancestors lived, told stories, and expressed themselves through the objects they left behind? In this lighthearted workshop, we will bridge the gap between anthropology and art. No prior pottery or sculpting experience is required—just an open mind and a desire to get your hands dirty!

What to Expect:

• Historical Inspiration: We will start with a fascinating visual journey through time, looking at the shapes, symbols, and stories behind beautiful ancient pottery and artifacts. We will look at the link between pottery and anthropology and how information has been left behind by our ancestors through these artefacts.
• Guided Creation: Learn simple, foundational hand-building clay techniques to pinch, coil, and sculpt your own piece with the guidance of the tutor.
• Make It Yours: Replicate a historic design or create your own modern piece with a twist. You will leave with a completely unique, handmade keepsake!

No experience required… this is a session for all levels. Beginners encouraged!

Clay is the ultimate time capsule because ancient pots survive for millennia, telling us secrets about how early humans lived, cooked, and partied. In our hands-on workshop, you get to travel back in time by sculpting your own masterpieces inspired by these ancient designs. Recreating these historical shapes and patterns turns a simple lump of mud into a time-travelling adventure. You will leave with a unique piece of history you made yourself!

Art Tutor:

Christiana Pascalides is an artist, community arts practitioner and teacher from East London. She regularly runs a community drawing group in Bethnal Green and various workshops for festivals and community events under the name ‘Inside Out Arts’.

This event is part of the Anthropology Summer School London held near Victoria Park, Hackney and online. More info on our events and courses: [email protected]