Paper short abstract:

69 kilns at Cheung Ek in Cambodia produced pottery from the 5th to the early 13th century AD, with the wheel technique. This site was the most significant production center for the region. Stacked kilns produced earthenware to stoneware is an important discovery in the understanding of pottery.

Paper long abstract:

Cheung Ek, located in south of Cambodia, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Lower Mekong Delta. Research has revealed 11 temple foundations, a massive circular earthwork, and a concentration of 69 ceramic kilns that include the first evidence of both earthenware and stoneware production at a single location. Based on the radiocarbon analysis the earthenware kilns date to the 5th century AD and produced a range of vessels such as cooking pots, small bottles, big bottles, and Fine Buffware Kendis, which represent the most common form. Traces on the surface of the earthenware vessels indicate the use of the wheel technique. The majority of kilns, however, were producing stonewares and included both low-fired and high-fired examples again using the wheel. Dating of four kilns so far shows a range of production from the late 7th till the early 13th century AD. Due to the increased demand for ceramics there is a comparable rise in the number of vessel breakage during the firing process. One mound shows evidence of numerous Fine Buffware sherds at the base with a stoneware kiln on the top. Re-use of this mound shows the long period of production at Cheung Ek and a stratigraphic development from earthenware up to stoneware kilns. This paper will discuss specific technological aspects of Cheung Ek ceramic manufacture including the unique presence of stacked kilns and the significance of this industrial production site to meet the utilitarian ceramic demands for everyday life in the region.