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Modern Description: Above the shore not more than a kilometre to the south of Skala Marión, are the interesting remains of an Archaic ceramic workshop. Given the quantity of amphorae which the exportation of the island's wine-production required in antiquity, this must have been one of many such workshops on the island. Its importance is considerable, both because of its antiquity (this workshop was in use for over two hundred years, from the late 6th, down to the 3rd, century BC) and for what it tells archaeologists about the processes of ceramic production. The choice of site is determined first of all by proximity to a good vein of clay; but accessibility of both water for the preparation of the clay, and fuel for the oven, were important considerations. Closeness to the shore also facilitated transportation of the finished articles. A number of elements are clearly distinguishable in the excavated area. At the northern perimeter the circular base of one of the kilns can be seen, constructed in large blocks; at its centre is the support for the shelf on which the pots were stacked for firing. This would have been covered with a brick dome. In the southeast corner (shore side), are the decantation tanks for the washing of the clay. Excavations have brought to light a wide variety of pottery objects of both Attic and Cycladic style and form.

Info: McGilchrist's Greek Islands

(From McGilchrist’s Greek Islands, © Nigel McGilchrist 2010, excerpted with his gracious permission. Click for the books)

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