Earliest Evidence of Hemp Use

The history of hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation and use stretches back millennia. Archaeological evidence points to its early importance for both fiber and seed.

The earliest concrete evidence of hemp use comes from East Asia, primarily through archaeological finds related to ancient pottery.

• Pottery Tempered with Hemp Fibers: Ancient pottery, particularly from sites in China and Taiwan, has been discovered with hemp fibers intentionally mixed into the clay. This process, known as "tempering," was used to strengthen the pottery and prevent it from cracking during the firing process. This suggests that the fibers were readily available and recognized for their reinforcing properties by early peoples.
• Impressions of Hemp Cord: Further evidence is found in the impressions left by hemp cord and fabric on the surfaces of these early ceramic objects. These impressions indicate that hemp was being processed and utilized to create textiles, ropes, or nets. The earliest known examples of these impressions are noted in artifacts dating back as far as the late Neolithic period.

The study of these artifacts, often requiring the analysis of micro-level details and material composition, provides valuable insight into the agricultural and technological capabilities of ancient societies.