Rethinking pottery decorations: exploring perceptions of past practices

Archaeology is concerned with the study of human-made objects that (usually) have been permanently separated from their original cultural context. Their interpretation is shaped by contemporary epistemological perspectives and evolving ideologies. A key challenge arises when scientific simplifications unintentionally overshadow the deeper layers of reasoning. One such example is pottery decoration, which is often regarded either as a classificatory tool or as an element conveying symbolic and cultural meanings. This article examines pottery decoration through the lens of aesthetic experience and its impact on the well -being of archaeological communities. Drawing on psychological and neuroscientific research, it argues that decoration can serve as an indicator of aesthetic perception, agency, social cohesion, and cultural stability. Furthermore, it suggests that investigating aesthetic preferences in archaeology can provide valuable insights into the well-being of past societies, highlighting the role of objec ts in shaping humans’ daily experience.