The Badari, Merimde, and Nagada cultures along the lower Nile, came together to form the two kingdoms of Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt. Therefore, the Nagada culture was one of the basic building blocks of Egypt. The pre-dynastic Nagada, also known as Nagada I dates around 4500 BC. Pottery of this period goes through a noticeable change. Before, ceramics were decorated with bands of paint, but during Nagada I, the pottery had clever geometric designs. There were also pictures of animals, either carved on or painted on the surface of the object. The shapes of the pottery became more varied as well, depending on the purpose. Decorative clay objects were popular as well, particularly the "dancer" figurines, small painted figurines of women with upraised arms. The most important aspect of this period is the development of "true" architecture. Several clay models of houses were discovered in the graves that look like the rectangular clay brick homes of the Old Kingdom. This suggests that towns, individual homes, and urban planning started around 4500 BC.
Nagada II started around 4000 BC and differs greatly from Nagada I. The growing influence of the peoples of the North on those of the South results in a culturally mixed group of people. The greatest difference between Nagada I and Nagada II peoples is their ceramic industries. Nagada I pottery had a few decorative aspects, but its primary purpose was functional. Nagada II was very decorative, with things like organic-inspired geometric motifs, animals, and people. Also, unusual animals such as ostriches and ibexes give some suggestions that the Nagada II people hunted in the sub-desert, because these animals were not found near the Nile. The Nagada II were also considered tomb builders. These people eventually grew into the cult of Osiris.
Written By: Cassandra Starrett
Sources:
White, J.E. Manchip. Ancient Egypt. New York. Dover Publications, Inc., 1970.
"Pre-dynastic period." Bard, Kathryn. http://maxpages.com/ribbentop/egypt