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The Kilns of The Plankhouses...

From: Steady Eddie
Date: 4/22/2003
Time: 8:39:30 AM
Remote Name: 68.67.22.52

Comments

On the Internet, in the posted records of the pro-dig at Cathla-pootle, there exists a very small sliver of information regarding the "Kilns". (Their words, not mine). Of the two Plankhouses dug into, there was a mention of the brick-lined "ovens" found at the extreme end of the Plankhouses. They were in the very lowest strata (layer) dug into and so were determined to be a part of the "orignial" construction. I do not recall if there were pottery shards found near the "kilns" or what was special about them that would define them as "kilns"--but they were there, no doubt about it. A kiln, by my description, would have to have had either coal or hardwood charcoal (Alder-wood?) remains in it, to have created the high temperatures required to "fire" the clay into pottery. Perhaps they found such fuel either in, or very near-by.

The very technology of firing clay could have been adopted by the Chinook from other groups, as the Chinook traveled far and wide. I think that the "jury is still out" on this whole issue, and much more research needs to be done.

As for adopting technology, heck, I still don't know how the Chinook made fire, at the drop of a hat, in the rain and wind, before the last canoe was drug up on the beach. As I have pointed out before, they were very quick to adopt gunpowder, but had no need for the wheel, either as a wagon or cart. They were very quick to adopt copper amd copper kettles, but never worked iron or any other metals that I am aware of. The Nez Pierces lived right up River, and invented the Appaloosa Horse Breed, but the Chinook preferred the Canoe for transportation over the Horse.

Strange things that I wonder about.

Steady Eddie

Last changed: April 22, 2003