Research: Ancient Kilns



Don Davis contributes work to an Archaeological Exhibition in Italy

Don constructed a model of an ancient Etruscan kiln for an exhibition titled “The Sanctuary of the Etruscan Artisans at Cetamura Del Chianti: The Legacy of Alvaro Tracchi,” from June 13-July 12, 2009 at Casa Masaccio Museum in San Giovanni Valdarno, Italy. Davis created the 1/15 scale model of the kiln excavated at Cetamura in close cooperation with Dr. Nancy DeGrummond, lead archaeologist on the site and in charge of the exhibition. The kiln was built approximately 300-200 B.C.

The model is constructed in two sections and is open in the back so that the interior can be viewed. The foundation replicates what was found by archaeologists and the upper portion, which is removable, is based on existing evidence and conjecture by archaeologists. Davis developed the clay, which includes General Shale Brick material. It was made in Johnson City and transported to Italy in his carry on luggage.

The exhibition will be on long-term display in Badia a Coltibuono, Italy near the Cetamura site.

The project was supported by an ETSU Summer Research Fellowship in Arts and Sciences and an ETSU Research Development Committee Grant.

Summer 2010 is especially exciting because a new kiln based on ancient Etruscan design will be built before the two week course at Spannocchia, finalized during course, and fired in our final week.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

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