Archaeology, experimental archaeology and ethnoarchaeology on bread ovens in Syria

Abstract

This article explores the relationship between the archaeological remains of clay ovens excavated in the Iron Age level at Tel Hadar, Israel and modern socio-cultural behaviour linked to clay ovens used for bread baking. After a short introduction on one of the excavated ovens and the precise report of one experimentation with local people, most of the text describes my ethnoarchaeological observations from the past five years in Syria. Through a study that combines archaeology, ethnoarchaeology and experimental archaeology I documented techniques of construction, differentiated various types of ovens and recorded their culinary and social function. Based on this research a worksheet has been developed to maximise the potential for information retrieved during the excavation of clay ovens.