Mexican Archaeologists Discover Kiln More Than 1,300 Years Old

Mexican Archaeologists Discover Kiln More Than 1,300 Years Old

Mexican Archaeologists discovered a kiln used by the ancient Zapotecs to make ceramics more than 1,300 years ago, the National Anthropology and History Institute (INAH), said. An oven used by the Zapotecs confirms the long tradition of pottery in Mexico's Oaxaca region

Archaeologists hypothesize that the oven dates from the early years of occupation of pre-Columbian site (650 - 900 AD), making it more than 1,300 years old. This is one of the best preserved ceramic kilns ever have been found in the Zapotec area.

“The kiln consists of a cylindrical adobe wall measuring 2.1 meters (6 feet 11 inches) from the surface to the firing shelves arranged in convergent lines toward the center, and a downdraft vent in the lower part approximately 20 centimeters (8 inches) wide," Vera said.

This oven can link the traditional pre-Hispanic pottery craft to that of the current community of Santa Martá Atzompa. This hearth was discovered recently in pre-Hispanic Archaeological Zone Atzompa.

Archaeologist Jaime Vera said the kilns were buried under a stucco floor known as the home of the altar. Located four kilometers from Monte Alban, Atzompa has a total of 40 structures so far discovered.

Since it is one of the pre-Columbian sits that will be opened to the public this year, the work will provide the Atzompa Archaeological Zone with the necessary infrastructure which will continue on, said INAH.