Oven Floors Supported on Clay Bars:

Kilns C, D, F 

  

Kiln D is one of the smaller kilns, with a diameter of 1.85m. It illustrates the first type of oven floor, which is supported on clay bars. A column of ceramic drums stands in the centre to form a hub. The oven floor is similar to a wagon wheel, as clay spokes extend from the hub and fit into sleeves cut in the kiln’s wall. For additional reinforcement, pottery sherds were wedged into the sleeves. Clay bands intersect these spokes to form a dartboard-like design. Leaving holes for even heat distribution, clay was then smeared over the surface to make a smooth oven floor, as seen on kiln F.

Site 290 - Kiln F

Oven floor with spokes

Site 290 - Kiln D

Hub, Stoking Door, 

& Spoke Holes