"Situated to the east of oven F.557, this was constructed over deposits (5000) and (4998). The basal deposit of hearth F.806 appears to have been a levelling deposit over the redundant oven of the previous phase and probably derived from the dismantlement of that ven superstructure, whereas the description of the overlying deposit (4998) suggests accumulation of occupation and 'use', probably during the use of oven F.557, and possibly prior to the overlying hearth F.806.
The hearth F.806 was created in a shallow scoop (5120) cut against the eastern face of the post-retrieval pit (4982). In its truncated state it measured 0.6 by 0.22 m and 70 mm deep, and probably c. 0.6 m in diameter in its complete form. The base was carefully prepared with predominately clay ball fragments and some stone set within a firm but friable, dark brown silty clay and ash matrix (5117), the clay ball and stone fragments creating a stable and thermal retentive base. The lower part of a small seated human figurine 5117.H1, less than 10 mm high (Volume 5, Chapter 9) was also recovered from this deposit, but may be an accidental inclusion. An overlying possible 'use' deposit was 'light brown silty clay' (5119) with 'small stone fragments, charcoal and plaster' (US 5119, AB, 07.08.99). This was more likely a consolidation layer over the clay ball base, which became friable through subsequent firings. An overlying layer (5118), probably represents acumulation through use, made up of 'loose, light brown to grey, clayey silt with small and medium stone, clay balls fragments, charcoal, plaster and ash' (US 5118, AB, 07.08.99). During excavation this was interpreted as part of an overlying basin F.521, which replaced this hearth in the subsequent phase, however, during post-excavation analysis it was recognized as part of the hearth sequence F.806." p. 118
taken from volume 3, excavating CH. 07.07.2010 -SAK |
