Tani Kiln Sites Conservation Project

The Tani kiln sites are located 19 km north west of the Angkor ruins, and distributed in a long, narrow hilly band running from north to south. At the centre of the area, there are the remains of two groups of kiln sites: Group A comprising six kiln sites and group B comprising nine kiln sites. Theses kiln sites are mounds roughly 12 to 20 meters in diameter and a number of Khmer pottery pieces have been discovered around the mounds.

Recently, research has focused on the preservation and reconstruction of the A6 kiln and the B1 kiln. In past excavations, a long, narrow kiln, 8.5m long and 2.8m wide was discovered. Both A6 and B1 have a similar design, though A6 has been subject to less damage than B1.

Articles unearthed from these kiln sites include ash glazed ware stoneware and roof tiles. The research carried out this time has shown that the kilns in the Kingdom of Cambodia were designed differently than those in the northeastern part of Thailand where the later Khmer pottery was produced. The unearthed articles are mostly stoneware such as four-eared pots and bowls, and ash glazed ware only accounts for a very small portion. It has also become clear that each kiln has produced pottery discovered in other areas and concluded that they probably date to the 10th century. This is the first excavation of ancient kiln sites conducted in the Kingdom of Cambodia.

As a result of the research the structure of the kilns of Khmer pottery and the manner of production were identified for the first time. The Tani kiln sites conservation project that undertakes everything from excavation of ancient ruins to their preservation is the first attempt in the Kingdom of Cambodia to protect cultural property in the country and will add momentum to cultural property protection project that will follow.

Conservation Project

The aim of this project is to preserve the A6 kiln site and the B1 kiln site where examinations have been completed. We will preserve and repair each of theses kiln sites in different ways so that visitors can understand the historical significance specific to each of them.

Conservation Area

Chemical treatment will be applied to each kiln discovered during the excavation in order to reinforce its structure and prevent further damage. Also, a shelter will be constructed to accommodate the entire conservation area for the dual purpose of preservation and public exhibition. In the shelter, panels, miniature models and other material will be displayed and an easy explanation of the research finding will be provide. In this area, the kiln site will be preserved in its original condition of discovery so that visitors can see how the excavation contributed to the research.

Reconstruction Area

After adding some soil to the existing mound, we can restore the kiln site to what we believe is its original condition and we will construct a shelter over it. The kiln site will be restored in such a manner that visitors will be able to understand how it was used in the area of the Kingdom of Cambodia.