THE CERAMIC KILN
In this room, we present a cross-section of a ceramic firing kiln.
Cucuteni ceramic kilns, called reverberatory kilns, were constructions consisting of one or two wood-burning chambers, a perforated hearth, and a semi-spherical dome.
FIRING TECHNOLOGY
These kilns had an internal system that directed hot air, allowing temperatures to reach over 800 degrees Celsius. To intensify the fire, bellows were most likely used; only fired clay nozzles have been discovered.
SHAPING THE VESSELS
The vessels were made either by hand or using a simple rotating table. Craftsmen shaped cups, goblets, amphorae, bowls, basins, or pedestal vessels using high-quality clay. After shaping, the vessels were left to dry before being decorated.
PAINTED DECORATION
Decoration was a carefully controlled process. Vessels were painted with one, two, or three colors – red, black, and white – using motifs such as spirals, meanders, zigzags, triangles, rhombuses, or stylized depictions of humans and animals. Colors were obtained from natural resources: iron oxides for red and white, and manganese for black.
FIRING AND WORKSHOP LOCATION
The decoration was fixed through firing at temperatures over 600 degrees Celsius, which required advanced technical knowledge. Kilns were usually located at the edge of settlements and near a water source.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
