# Sovereignty Module: Bury the Flame

## Complete Advanced Pit Firing: From Preparation to Smoke Patterns

Pit firing is the oldest firing method, producing unique smoke-marked surfaces. This campaign covers pit preparation, fuel layering, colorant additions, and surface effects.

### Chapter 1: Pit Firing Overview

| Method | Pit Depth | Temperature | Duration | Surface Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple pit fire | 18-24 inches | 1200-1600°F | 4-8 hours | Random smoke marks |
| Layered pit fire | 24-36 inches | 1400-1800°F | 6-12 hours | Controlled patterns |
| Saggar pit fire | 18-24 inches | 1200-1600°F | 4-8 hours | Contained effects |
| Barrel fire | Above ground | 1200-1600°F | 4-8 hours | Similar to pit |
| Beach fire | Sand pit | 1200-1600°F | 4-8 hours | Salt + smoke effects |

### Chapter 2: Pit Preparation

Pit construction: 1) Dig pit 24-36 inches deep, 3-4 feet diameter. 2) Line bottom with 4-6 inches of sawdust or wood shavings. 3) Place first layer of pots (nested in sawdust). 4) Add colorant materials around pots. 5) Cover with more sawdust. 6) Add second layer of pots (if space allows). 7) Cover with sawdust and kindling. 8) Top with larger wood (split logs). 9) Cover loosely with sheet metal or broken pottery shards. 10) Light from top and allow fire to burn down through layers.

| Layer | Material | Thickness | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bottom | Sawdust | 4-6 inches | Slow-burning base fuel |
| First pot layer | Pots + colorants | As needed | Pottery to be fired |
| Middle | Sawdust + colorants | 3-4 inches | Fuel + color source |
| Second pot layer | Pots + colorants | As needed | More pottery |
| Top fuel | Kindling + split wood | 6-8 inches | Initial heat source |
| Cover | Sheet metal or shards | Partial cover | Control airflow |

### Chapter 3: Colorant Additions

| Colorant | Material | Color Produced | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper carbonate | Powder or wire | Green, blue, copper | Sprinkle around pots |
| Copper wire | Bare copper wire | Green, copper lines | Wrap around pots |
| Iron oxide | Powder | Red, orange | Sprinkle around pots |
| Salt (sodium chloride) | Rock salt or table salt | Orange, peach flashing | Sprinkle in pit |
| Banana peels | Fresh peels | Black carbon marks | Wrap around pots |
| Seaweed | Dried seaweed | Green, salt effects | Wrap around pots |
| Steel wool | Fine steel wool | Red-orange marks | Wrap around pots |
| Miracle-Gro fertilizer | Granules | Blue-green (copper sulfate) | Sprinkle around pots |
| Cobalt carbonate | Powder | Blue | Sprinkle sparingly |

### Chapter 4: Pot Preparation

| Preparation | Method | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Burnishing | Polish with smooth stone | Smooth surface accepts smoke patterns |
| Terra sigillata | Apply ultra-fine slip | Smooth, semi-glossy surface |
| Bisque firing | Fire to cone 010-08 first | Stronger pot, accepts colorants |
| Masking | Apply wax resist patterns | Create smoke-free areas |
| Wrapping | Wrap with copper wire, banana peels | Create line patterns |
| Nesting in colorants | Pack colorants against pot surface | Direct contact = stronger color |

### Chapter 5: Firing Process

Firing sequence: 1) Light fire from top. 2) Allow fire to burn down through layers (2-4 hours). 3) Do not add fuel once burning (disrupts patterns). 4) Fire burns hottest at top, coolest at bottom. 5) Pots near top get more heat and less smoke. 6) Pots near bottom get less heat and more smoke. 7) Allow fire to burn out completely (4-8 hours). 8) Do not disturb until completely cool (12-24 hours). 9) Remove pots carefully. 10) Wash gently with water. 11) Apply wax or oil to enhance surface.

| Position | Temperature | Smoke Level | Surface Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top of pit | Higher (1400-1800°F) | Less smoke | Lighter, more heat-affected |
| Middle of pit | Medium (1200-1600°F) | Moderate smoke | Balanced effects |
| Bottom of pit | Lower (1000-1400°F) | Heavy smoke | Darker, more carbon |

### Reference Card

1. Burnish or apply terra sigillata before pit firing (a smooth surface shows smoke patterns more clearly than a rough surface; burnishing or terra sigillata creates the ideal canvas for pit fire effects). 2. Colorants must contact the pot surface (copper wire, banana peels, and other colorants produce their effects only where they touch the pot; wrap or pack them directly against the surface). 3. Do not disturb the fire once lit (adding fuel or rearranging pots disrupts the smoke patterns and temperature gradients that create pit fire's characteristic effects). 4. Position determines effect (pots at the top of the pit receive more heat and less smoke; pots at the bottom receive less heat and more smoke; choose position based on desired effect). 5. Allow complete cooling before opening (thermal shock from opening a hot pit can crack pots; wait at least 12 hours after the fire dies before removing pots). 6. Every pit firing is unique (the combination of fuel, colorants, position, weather, and chance creates unrepeatable results; no two pit firings produce identical surfaces). 7. Pit-fired pots are decorative (the low firing temperature produces a porous clay body; pit-fired pots are not waterproof or food-safe without additional treatment). 8. Pit firing connects to the origin of ceramics (the first pottery was fired in open pits 10,000 years ago; every pit firing recreates the moment when humans first transformed clay into ceramic).