Introduction
The dictionary defines “artifact” as “any mass-produced, usually inexpensive object reflecting contemporary society or popular culture” (Online Dictionary). Judging from the definition, the Coca-Cola bottle is an obvious artifact. It is unique and simple cant be improved. It is recognized to be the second-best container, after the egg box (Garibaldi, 1996). Indeed, the Coca-Cola bottle became an artifact since it has been produced. It takes its roots from the XIX century, when the first soft bottled drink was created by a pharmacist and a former U.S. Army Confederation officer – John Smith Pemberton (Louis, Yazijian, Harvey, 1980). Since that time, the Coca-Cola bottle became one of the most widespread artifacts of the XX century. It is believed, that in the XXIII century, the archeologists will reveal the documents about the history of this unique artifact. For example, it is still unknown how many Coca-Cola customers have written feedback on the design of the bottle in the diaries. That is why, the historical roots, the cultural influence, the popularity in the future generation, and the peoples attitude, make the simple thing an artifact.
Historical Roots
The first Coca-Cola drink was coined in Atlanta (Georgia, USA) on May 8, 1886, by John Smith Pemberton. Regardless of this, the name for the new drink was invented by Pemberton’s accountant – Frank Robinson. The main ingredients of “Coca-Cola” were: the coca leaves, the cola and the tropical nut tree. However, if it was not for the original bottle, the soft drink wouldnt be as popular as it is today. In 1894, the first Coca-Cola bottle has been invented. It has straight sides, a short neck and lips, which imitated the bulb. According to Louis, Yazijian, and Harvey, only 9 people have been buying the drink on average per day. In 1990 the crown cap has been introduced, and some changes to the bottles style has been made. However, the designers didnt spend much time and effort inventing unique colors. The green and brown colors have been used by the beer producers as well. In 1916, the pale-green, which became the first companys official bottle, has been produced. However, the first original bottle, which became the symbol of the company, has been released in 1995. The bottles have been divided into three types, according to their size: 10, 12, and 26 ounces. 1964 is famous for producing lift top cans (Hume, 2001).
Cultural Periods Influence
Nevertheless, the huge popularity, the artifact has been influenced by different cultural periods. Due to the perfect advertisements and personal approach to the customer, the company could overcome the obstacles.
The soft drink invention, as well as the Coca-Cola bottle creation, accounted for the end of the World War. Thus, the inventors had to find a personal approach to the potential customers. Steven Garibaldi in his article wrote: “The generation that grew up immediately after World War was nursed on Coca-Cola, nursed and never weaned” (Garibaldi, 1996). Indeed, due to the advertisement and perfect usage of the bottle in them, the company could find the needed approach. Thus, Roger Staubach, a very famous football player, took part in the advertisement; where he hollowed on the bottle showing that he could be a soldier in the war.
The new century has begun with the new Cola tastes; however, the bottles style has not been changed.
Artifact in Future Generation
The Coca-Cola bottle is about to be infinite. Thus, it was not a big surprise, when Andy Warhol has chosen the bottle as the one, which has the most possible examples of imitation. He has mentioned that the bottle itself is a symbol of endless recursion. The Coca-Cola bottle became very unique in terms of its design. The above-mentioned artifact has been exhibited in Columbia, Venezuela, Peru and Mexico museums. Mexican citizens still recycle Coca-Cola bottles. Many documentary movies have been cast on the Coca-Cola Incorporation development and its bottle invention. The famous Coca-Cola advertisements, where the white bear is holding the bottle, are familiar to every generation. One cant imagine the winter holidays without the song: “The holidays are coming”, which is one of the most well-known advertisements in the world (Hilliam, 2001). In fact, the bottles became icons, because everyone knows their shape, color and design.
The Coca-Cola bottles have been already included in the world’s cultural history. Thus, the popular Atlanta museum has an exponent, which is 7’ high and consists of many little Coca-Cola bottles. In addition, this museum is not the one. The museums, where the exponents are made out of Coca-Cola bottles are in Washington, Paris, London, Moscow, Copenhagen and many other cities (Hilliam, 2001). All these are obvious evidence that the future generation will be aware of the Coca-Cola bottle artifact.
Conclusions
To make the long story short, as well the Coca-Cola Incorporation itself, the Coca-Cola bottle was, is, and will be one of the most famous artifacts in the world. The reason is that, if since 1916, the years when the first original bottle has been founded, till today everyone can explain, describe, draw and point out on the Coca Cola bottle, it will be well-known in the future.
References
Garibaldi, S. (1996). Pop Culture. America’s decline in a Coke bottle. Probable Cause. Web.
Hilliam, M. (2001). The Soft Drinks Market: Global Trends and Developments. London: Leatherhead publishing.
Hume, I. (2001). A Guide of Artifacts of Colonial America. Philadelphia, Pa. : Univ. of Pennsylvania Press
Louis, J.C., Yazijian, Harvey Z. (1980).The Cola Wars. Everest House. Publishers, New York, NY, USA.
Online Dictionary. Artifact. Web.