How was Paleolithic pottery made?

Paleolithic pottery, among the earliest forms of pottery, was hand-formed using techniques like pinching and coiling, and fired in pit fires or open bonfires. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

Material:

Early pottery was made from clay, which was gathered from streams or hillsides. 

Forming Techniques:

Pinching: A ball of clay was pinched and shaped into a vessel. 

Coiling: Long, thin coils of clay were rolled and stacked to build up the walls of the vessel, then smoothed together. 

Firing:

Pit Fires: Pottery was fired in pits, where the vessels were placed and covered with fuel, creating a controlled heat source. 

Open Bonfires: Alternatively, pottery was fired in open bonfires. 

Decoration:

Early pottery was often undecorated, but some examples show simple patterns made by pressing tools or cord into the clay before firing. 

Additives:

Sand, crushed stone, ground mussel shell, crushed fired clay, or plant fibers were added to the clay to prevent shrinkage and cracking during firing

and drying.