Kilns more than 1,000 years old have been found less than two kilometers away from Choeung Ek Killing Fields. The kilns, which are believed to date from the 12th or 13th century, had been constructed to make stoneware. Currently, one of the kilns in the area is being excavated by a group of archaeologists led by Phon Kaseka. Each kiln could be used up to thirty years before it was filled up with new soil allowing it to be reused on the same site.

 

The Choeung EK area where kilns are located, according to Phon Kaseka, might be one of the biggest commercial stoneware production facilities in the country. It is believed that these kilns produced stoneware not only for the local area but for export to the rest of the country and even to other parts of the world. “The tools produced were of better quality than those of other areas [in the country] because most of the tools are stoneware,” said Kaseka.

 

When asked why many kilns are found here, Kaseka said that this area was an excellent location for such work. First, it is near the Mekong Delta area where clays could be found easily. Second, the area is near the Bassack River which allowed stoneware to be easily exported by water to other areas. In addition, people could get easy access to the waterway using a long, man-made or natural canal which linked the area and the Bassack River.

 

The excavation of the kiln began on August 13 and is expected to end on September 7, 2012. “After we finish our excavations and research, we will refill the pit with soil,” said Kaseka.