The Nuovo Forno Etrusco: An Etruscan Kiln Project, 2009–2014
-
Don R. Davis
and
Richard Kortum
Abstract
Though ancient Etruscan ceramic ware plays an important role in the understanding of both Etruscan civilization and the Roman one that absorbed it, no one knows exactly what an Etruscan kiln looked like or how it was fired. Classical writings contain no descriptions, nor have any contemporaneous visual representations come to light. Of the nearly 40 forni whose remains have been excavated by archaeologists, none has had even a partially intact roof or superstructure. Based on the archaeological evidence to date and on our practical experience as potters and kiln builders, we undertook to design, construct, and test a functioning facsimile of an Etruscan kiln. The site that we selected lies in Tuscany, about 55 km from Cetamura del Chianti, a hilltop sanctuary whose recently excavated kiln foundation forms the basis of our experimental design. Key features of the Nuovo Forno Etrusco, which was built in 2010, are a permanent domed roof and a removable rear access door. It was successfully test-fired ten days after completion as well as on four consecutive occasions in 2011–2014. As a result, it provides scholars with a better understanding of Etruscan practices and ideas relating not only to the final stages of the production of their decorative and functional ceramics but also to the design and construction of their forni.
Acknowledgement
We gratefully acknowledge the support of East Tennessee State University. This research was made possible by a College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Summer Research Fellowship awarded to Professor Davis and by two small grants awarded to Davis and Professor Kortum by the Research and Development Committee under the auspices of ETSU’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. We are also grateful for the help, enthusiasm, and goodwill of Randall Stratton, Francesca Cinelli, the staff of Spannocchia, and the excellent collaboration and goodwill of the talented other members of our forno crew, Olivier Rollin, Jon Bowers, and John Simmons. A special thanks goes to Nancy T. de Grummond for her generous input and sharing of all findings regarding Structure K at Cetamura. Her research, insights, and enthusiasm were a major inspiration for this project.
Bibliography
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Appendix I
The dimensions and design elements of Structure K (see Figs. 2–3) at Cetamura del Chianti are compared and contrasted to those used to construct the Nuovo Forno Etrusco at Spannocchia in May-June 2010.[13]
I. Pits
II. Material Composition of the Lower Walls
III. Kiln Shape and Size
IV. Interior Lining
V. The Mastio
VI. Praefurnia
VII. Flooring and Graticola
VIII. Loading Entrance
IX. Roof
X. Spy-holes
XI. Fuel
XII. Clay and Slip Composition[15]
© 2014 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/München/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Frontmatter
- Proceedings of Artisans and Craft in Ancient Etruria: A Symposium in Honor of Nancy de Grummond, June 23, 2013, Syracuse University in Florence
- Preface and Introduction
- Manufacturing at Poggio Civitate: Elite Consumption and Social Organization in the Etruscan Seventh Century
- Artisans and Their Lasting Impressions: Clay Stamping and Craft Connectivity at Caere During the Sixth Century BCE
- An Etruscan Stone Cinerary Sculpture from Chiusi now in Florence: Function, Style, and Artist
- Images of Artisans on Etruscan and Italic Gems
- At First Glance: Remarks on a Group of Sigla from the Sanctuary of the Etruscan Artisans at Cetamura del Chianti
- The Kiln at Cetamura del Chianti
- The Nuovo Forno Etrusco: An Etruscan Kiln Project, 2009–2014
- The 2013–2014 Ferdinando and Sarah Cinelli Lecture
- The Ever Elusive Etruscan Egg
- The Etruscan Foundation Fellowship Award Recipients for 2014: Research, Conservation and Fieldwork
- Erratum
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- Frontmatter
- Proceedings of Artisans and Craft in Ancient Etruria: A Symposium in Honor of Nancy de Grummond, June 23, 2013, Syracuse University in Florence
- Preface and Introduction
- Manufacturing at Poggio Civitate: Elite Consumption and Social Organization in the Etruscan Seventh Century
- Artisans and Their Lasting Impressions: Clay Stamping and Craft Connectivity at Caere During the Sixth Century BCE
- An Etruscan Stone Cinerary Sculpture from Chiusi now in Florence: Function, Style, and Artist
- Images of Artisans on Etruscan and Italic Gems
- At First Glance: Remarks on a Group of Sigla from the Sanctuary of the Etruscan Artisans at Cetamura del Chianti
- The Kiln at Cetamura del Chianti
- The Nuovo Forno Etrusco: An Etruscan Kiln Project, 2009–2014
- The 2013–2014 Ferdinando and Sarah Cinelli Lecture
- The Ever Elusive Etruscan Egg
- The Etruscan Foundation Fellowship Award Recipients for 2014: Research, Conservation and Fieldwork
- Erratum
