The Archaeology of the Clay Tobacco Pipe

In 1982 this author published a preliminary study in the form a synthesis of two chronologically separated kilns (Peacey 1982, 3-17). The aims of this present work are to improve upon this framework; to establish how these type structures fit into the broader picture; to fill in the gaps, before, between and after these cameo views; to improve understanding of the technology employed and seek the roots from which such technology developed. The primary objective is to catalogue all relevant material known to exist in museum and private collections. It is hoped that by this means an understanding of the varied physical characteristics will lead to the establishment of object or function categories around which reports may be structured. Contemporary source documents are also examined to shed further light upon the likely function of the archaeological material.Among the results achieved are the compilation of an extensive catalogue of material associated with tobacco pipe kilns; the establishment of type series for pipe kiln furniture and furniture supplements; a proposed development sequence for pipe kiln muffles; a pattern of consistency in kiln design throughout the study area and details of the methods used for stem tipping.