Archaeological finds of painted clay vases from early Greek centuries provide much of what is known about the art of that time, as clay withstands destruction better than other materials. Vase clay color can indicate origin city, and while found primarily in graves, clay vases were also part of everyday life. Local workshops produced vases in the Achaia region, while some vases were imported, and vases could be artistic yet handmade or even misshapen but still used.