Patterns that had been in the clay often survive, while colors probably don't. There are billions, or perhaps trillions, of ancient / prehistoric pottery shards, and color was being used a really long time ago. Because of the durability of it, fired clay will by and large survive while fabrics and such generally won't. Fired pottery goes back at least 29K years, which is a while back. Its use as vessels can't have been long after, one would guess. :^) Prior to that, skins and gourds were used.
Great stuff good find KUTGW keep up the great work !
Thanks.