Resumen de The Development of the pottery kiln from prehistoric to historical periods
This is an attempt to study the earliest known pottery kiln in Iran and its development from the earliest times to the beginning of the historical period. Through ethnographical observations made by J.R.
Caldwell and H.E. Wulffwe were able to fill up a good deal of missing archaeological information.
Archaeological evidence was provided from various excavations in different geographical regions and different periods, beginning with the 10th century A.D. Islamic pottery kilns from Siraf on the Iranian coast of Persian Gulf, and ending with the study of a late seventh millennium B.C. kiln at Djaffarabad in the plain of Khuzestan, excavated by G. Dollfus. The result of ethnographic and archaeological study has led to a fairly logical reconstruction of prehistoric pottery kilns in Iran: (1) the variety of types; (2) the material used in different parts of a kiln structure; and (3) the problem of the superstructure (firing chamber). The evidence has shown that in most cases the superstructure which once stood above the perforated grate was not a permanent structure but a temporary one. It was applied to the top of the piled up pots before firing is started and torn down after the firing is terminated. One should, however, keep in mind that our description and analysis of the ancient kilns is, of course, limited by variations in preservation, and in the techniques of excavations and publications.
