Alex Gibson – författare

Pottery is one of the most enduring artefacts from prehistory. It is of fundamental importance since, unlike stone, it can be precisely dated, displays regional variation and can produce information on the diet and economy of prehistoric peoples. Much prehistoric pottery is also highly decorated and aesthetically pleasing. It ranks amongst the major expressions of prehistoric art - the decoration of the pot often taking longer to execute than its manufacture.This book introduces the reader to the styles and forms of British pottery, to its methods of manufacture, its uses and its contexts - and how these changed over the four millennia of the prehistoric period in these islands.However, one constant feature of British and Irish pottery is the curious absence of figurative ceramic art in contrast to, for example, the figurines of mainland Europe. The author also draws on new techniques for researching the contents of pots and their roles within their societies.For those who have always seen the study of pottery as an esoteric subject, an endless catalogue of typologies, this book will come as a revelation: it shows just how much we can learn about our prehistoric ancestors from the study of their jugs, pots and urns.

Discover the transformative power of aromatherapy in this comprehensive guide that blends ancient wisdom with modern science. "How To Benefit From Aromatherapy" explores the profound benefits of essential oils, offering practical advice on how to incorporate them into your daily life for enhanced well-being. From stress relief and improved sleep to boosting mood and alleviating pain, this book covers a wide range of topics to help you harness the healing potential of nature''s most potent plant extracts.Dive into detailed chapters on the history of aromatherapy, the science behind essential oils, and the best practices for using diffusers. Learn about the unique properties of popular oils like lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, and discover tailored recipes and blends for various needs. Here''s a little of what you''ll learn inside of this book:- The History of Aromatherapy- Essential Oils for Stress Relief- Aromatherapy for Improved Sleep- How to Use Diffusers in Aromatherapy- The Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil- Essential Oils for Anxiety and Depression- Aromatherapy for Pain Management- DIY Aromatherapy Blends for Relaxation- The Science Behind Aromatherapy- Essential Oils for Immune Support- Aromatherapy for Skincare- The Role of Aromatherapy in Holistic Health- Essential Oils for Headache Relief- Aromatherapy for Digestive Health- Using Aromatherapy in Yoga and Meditation- The Safety and Risks of Using Essential Oils- Essential Oils for Respiratory Health- Aromatherapy for Boosting Mood and Energy- How to Choose High-Quality Essential Oils- Aromatherapy for Children: Safety Tips and Benefits- The Benefits of Peppermint Essential Oil- Using Aromatherapy for Pet Care- Essential Oils for Hormonal Balance- Aromatherapy for Seasonal Allergies- The Impact of Aromatherapy on Cognitive Function- Essential Oils for Athletic Performance and Recovery- How to Create a Relaxing Aromatherapy Spa at Home- Aromatherapy and Its Role in Cancer Care- Essential Oils for Household Cleaning- The Use of Carrier Oils in Aromatherapy- Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Postpartum Care- The Benefits of Citrus Essential Oils- Aromatherapy for Detoxification- Essential Oils for Cold and Flu Relief- Aromatherapy in Traditional Medicine Practices- The Environmental Impact of Essential Oil Production- Essential Oils for Spiritual and Emotional Healing- Aromatherapy for Focus- And More

Much has been said about the concept of the ‘left-behind’ in modern Britain and the role that this played in Brexit, but why have the many problems facing coastal communities been overlooked by the media and national policy? With evidence that coastal areas have generally borne the brunt of deprivation and may be the last to recover from the current economic downturn, the need for a sustainable model of coastal regeneration has never been greater. This book explains the factors behind the decline of coastal areas, provides new data on the ways this has manifested with respect to economic, social, health and education outcomes and suggests how policy reform can create dynamic, thriving coastal communities.

Funerary and related cups of the British Bronze Age presents the first national corpus and study of these often highly decorated items. Cups are the least studied of all Bronze Age funerary ceramics and their interpretations are still based on antiquarian speculation. They are clearly ‘Urnes of no small Variety’ and previous attempts at classification have largely failed due to this variation. Their potential uses, technologies and associations are examined and many myths, such as their association with children and their role in accompanying other ceramics such as Collared Urns and Food Vessels are examined and questioned. Cups appear to have been grave goods in their own right and the term ‘accessory vessel’ is rejected. The book contains a fully referenced and illustrated national corpus that will form the basis for future studies.

Pottery was at the heart of the ‘Neolithic package’ appearing in Britain with the first farmers around 4000 BC. It arrived as a mature technology and was essential to the new, largely sedentary, lifestyle and economy. It transformed storage and cooking practices, and the earliest ceramics seem to have been essential equipment in the new practice of dairying. The pottery changed over time and, as a result, ceramics have been fundamental to the construction of relative chronologies since the early days of modern archaeology. Even with the development of absolute dating techniques, the role of pottery as a dating tool has not diminished but instead has become refined and more accurate.But pottery is not just a tool for dating the past – it also represents a facet of prehistoric art and expression. Starting simply, ceramics became arguably the main medium for display, with often complex designs. Simple techniques, motifs and panels are combined to create highly decorated vessels, often of great individuality. The use of inlays, pastes and slips added contrasting colours to these vibrant designs.By the end of the Neolithic, ceramics became one of the major grave goods of British prehistory, acting as accompaniments to those that warranted formal burial whether by inhumation or cremation. This practice continued throughout the Early Bronze Age to the extents that, lacking contemporary domestic sites, most of the corpora of Early Bronze Age ceramics are largely sepulchral in context. As we increasingly realise that burial rituals may have been varied and complex, so the roles of these ceramics are becoming all the more questioned.This book traces the 3000 years of ceramic use and development in Britain, charting the changing forms and decorative techniques and the differing and changing roles that pottery played within its contemporary society.