Banpo Neolithic Village Xi'an - 2008

23. Applying the Principle of the Centre of Garvity

The sharp bottom bottle is the hallmark of Banpo Village. It is famous worldwide not only because of its graceful streamline shape, it demonstrates the physics knowledge of the villagers. It triggers lots of researches and debates about its design and what kind of physics theory it applied.

Nowadays it might look odd to have a sharp bottom bottle. But in 6,000 years ago, it was an extremely creative tool.

When you drop the bottle in water, it slants and lets water in. When it is filled, it stands upright automatically. Water won't spill because the mouth of the bottle is small and the neck is thin. With ears on both sides tied with strings, it is extremely easy to carry. If tired, just insert the sharp bottom into the sandy ground and it stands firm.