Researcher: Lisa Lahmy, Copenhagen, Denmark

Year: 2002

Abstract:

A greater part of the Neolithic is characterised by very highly developed pottery craftsmanship. Some of the very finest clay vessels from Danish prehistory date from, in particular, the Early Neolithic, for example the well-known vessel from Skarpsalling in Himmerland. Normally archaeologists consider these vessels to have been fired in an open fire, but a structure found in the Randers area can perhaps be interpreted as the remains of a proper pottery kiln.

On the basis of detailed studies of the clay packing which has been found and the impressions of branches etc. a model will be built of the original kiln. Later the kiln’s usefulness will be tested by firing a copy of the famous Skarpsalling vessel.

Reference number: HAF 26/02