1. Not sure, but it wouldn't surprise me that they didn't. True history rarely reflects current cultural traditions.
2. So long as they used a "food safe" glaze, you can be confident that it's safe to use. As for the non-food-safe glazes (those with lead in them) I couldn't say for sure it was risky...but personally I wouldn't take the chance.
I've got painted/glazed ceramic hides that my Mom made for me when she took a ceramics class a few years ago. Haven't had any issues with them at all.