The Kindness of the Kiln!

The matrons spent that day molding the clay, which was mined from the pounds the days before, pressing the substance into a variety of bowls and other vessels that would be used in the coming season.  These would then be fired in the open pit kiln constructed by Dipuc and his work crew.* A pit three feet deep is dug in an open area at a distance from the lodge, then lined with kiln stones across the bottom and halfway up the sides.  A layer of wood shavings, thatch and seaweed is placed on top of the stones.  Clay pieces are set on top, followed by more shavings and seaweed, then dried grasses and pieces of kindling.  Finally the remainder of the pit is filled with firewood. 

Once a strong fire is going, several large stones are placed around the perimeter of the pit to hold a wet deer hide cover.   The cover is left open at one end for ventilation.  The positioning of this opening is determined by the wind direction, and is so placed to have smoke moving away from the dwellings of any nearby tall ones, though the unusual odor of the firing has been reported by some of their townspeople.  Periodic wetting keeps the hide from burning, and firewood is added to insure that the coals remain very hot.  The whole process of firing the clay bowls and other wares begins at sunrise and continues well into the night, when the fire is finally allowed to burn out.  Once the coals have completely cooled, the pieces are removed and lined up for the elders to inspect and hold in ceremony. The ability of the fire to harden the clay is considered a gift and is recognized in a simple ceremony, where each piece is handed along, one elder to another, while they quietly chant:

"Fearns...nun...duor...Fearns...nun...duor."**

After the ceremony, the wares are set for use.  Lacking a glaze, they do not hold water well, so they serve primarily to aid food preparation and serving.

The open pit kiln is disassembled on the day following.  In older times these pits would be kept in place, but the need to move the lodges, due to the constant encroachment of the tall ones, has prompted them to adopt this practice.  The stones considered magical for their purpose are kept in a holding lodge until another pit is required.

----------

*Of note here is the similarity of the Nubbin kiln construction to that of early Native Americans and other ancient civilizations.

**The exact meaning of this chant is unknown, but some believe that the similarity in sound and spelling would indicate Celtic terms and cadence where they are saying:  Alder...ash..oak.  These trees in Celtic thought symbolize, in order:  guidance and protection (alder), locked in the events of life (ash), security and strength (oak).