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CHAPTER XIV. 

 Pottery. 



Pottery making was unknown to the Magdalenian reindeer 

 hunters, although it is claimed for those that occupied Belgium 

 that they were acquainted with the manufacture. But pottery 

 abounds during the Neolithic period of Europe. 



The same abundance obtains in South Africa. As to its antiquity 

 nothing can be adduced. Respecting its style and peculiarities a 

 good deal can be said. 



In the former case the only evidence of pottery having been found 

 absolutely together with palteoliths of the boucher type is that of 

 the Nooitgedacht deposit ; but I have pointed out that the edges 

 of the potsherds found there are not in the least abraded, whereas 

 the bouchers or scraper-knives are so polished and worn as to have, 

 in some cases, returned partially to the primitive boulder shape 

 from which they were evolved. It is, therefore, impossible in this 

 particular case to associate both implements and pottery. 



With the knowledge obtained at present, it is safe to connect the 

 pottery manufacturing process with the South African Neolithic 

 culture, as is the case in Europe. 



But we are faced here with forms peculiar to South Africa, as the 

 Figs, of PI. XXIV. plainly show. 



The ovoid shape, conical at bottom, predominates. The maker 

 — woman in all likelihood — is not very experienced, and this shape 

 varies somewhat, but it remains mostly on the same lines. I know 

 only of two pots which are nearly similar, and they were found 

 together at Mossel Bay. One is represented in PI. XXIV., Fig. 177. 



Rare indeed are these wholly preserved pots ; I know now of eleven 

 only. The Museum possesses eight, seven of which are here repre- 

 sented. Another has been figured by Dr. Schonland"— which, 

 however, judging from the reproduction — shows no sign of ear or 



• " Kecoids of the Albany Museum," i., PL I., 1903. 



