The Kiln

Pottery firing evolved towards the vertical, dual chamber, up-draught kiln used throughout Europe. Basque Country kilns were square, vertical and open at the top.

The gorse and pine branches used as fuel were burned in the lower chamber, or foguera. The pottery was placed in the upper chamber on several layers separated by pottery trays or tacas, with holes communicating the two chambers.

Once the kiln was full, the top was covered with roof tiles and bricks leaving spaces for the smoke to be released and keeping the inside hot, reaching temperatures of up to 950ºC.