Kilns

The average kiln was vertical, with a circular fuel chamber at the base. Wood, the most common source of fuel, was inserted through the stoke hole. A perforated floor would allow heat to enter the firing chamber located directly above. Inside vessels were stacked one on top of another and covered by a ventilated clay dome. The firing time, which includes both heating up and cooling off periods, is presumed to have lasted between 24 – 48 hours, and set at an average temperature of approximately 1000°c.  Once the firing process was complete, the dome was broken to allow for removal of the wares.

Some kilns were quite large. They were equipped with long clay pipes that carry heat through the firing chamber and channel the smoke outside.  This ensured a controlled, oxidizing atmosphere in which the clay is protected from darkening effects caused by a lack of oxygen.

Pottery in Firing Chamber

Traditional Kilns

at Moknine, Tunisia

Stoking (Fuel) Door Viewed

from Exterior

S290 - T400 - Kiln D

Leptiminus, Tunisia

Schematic Reconstruction of

Leptiminus Kiln