The Histories of Honeybee and Human Interactions are Written on Pottery Shards

"It is striking that when a plate or a vase is whole it is alarmingly fragile; once it is smashed the pieces of pottery are almost indestructible." - Neil MacGregor.

The histories of honeybee and human interactions, or 'bee cultures', are written on the surface of ceramics in the archeological record. Traces of honey on pottery shards indicate honey harvesting and storage vessels. Honeycomb remnants on the interior of pots demonstrate the use of clay hives.

This discussion and studio tour, hosted by Honey Fingers founder Nic Dowse and ceramicist Samantha McIntyre, will highlight the continuing intersection of ceramics and beekeeping practices in the Honey Fingers Collective.

Works featured will include damaged ceramic objects that honeybees are repairing and repurposing; tableware for sharing the spoils of the hive; and historical images of ceramic hives from the Honey Fingers archive.

Image: Honey Fingers x Mud Australia, Honeycomb Lamp No.1 (2021). Photographer: Phillip Huynh.