Pottery Kiln from the site of Adžine Njive-Brajkovo in Klenak, Serbia: a Contribution to Pottery Production in the Territory of the Scordisci

Protective archaeological research at the Adžine Njive-Brajkovo site in the village of Klenak, in the municipality of Ruma in Syrmia, northern Serbia, was carried out in 2021 and 2022 on the route of the future Ruma-Šabac-Loznica highway. During the works, a well-preserved pottery kiln, particularly notable for its massiveness, was explored within the La Tène settlement. The kiln and material associated with it can directly or indirectly confirm different sequences in the operational chain of ceramic production. The stokers pit was located directly in front of the firebox. It was found filled with burning and daub residues, and a large number of fragments of late La Tène ceramics. After the kiln ceased operation, it was used for discarding ceramic products. Ceramic fragments from the firing area were exposed to secondary firing, which led to the conclusion that they were secondarily deposited. The results of the typological analysis of the ceramic material from the firing area, among different types of pottery (bowls, beakers, pots, amphorae) point to large-sized vessels – biconical pithoi, the production of which in such a kiln was possible due to its large dimensions.