Researchers from the Angkor International Centre for Research and Documentation (AICRD) of the Apsara Authority excavating at Tuol Trapeang Bos in Nokor Krao village, Kork Chak commune, Siem Reap city, north of the gate of Angkor Thom may have found an ancient pottery, which is presumed to have been from the Angkorian or post-Angkorian period.

Tin Tina, deputy director of AICRD, was quoted by the Apsara Authority on its Facebook page saying that the selection of the excavation site was to make sure that this hill is a pottery site because in the past, some researchers have found numerous shards of pottery scattered there.

Tina said that previously there have been no excavations to confirm that the site is an ancient pottery. But with shards left on the main hill, some researchers agree that the site could include a kiln.

“The project will be completed on December 10, and through excavations, we have found that most of the walls and furnaces are for everyday use, with clay pots and tiled stoves, but no smooth layers,” he said.

Tina said that after this excavation, they will continue research by listing all the hills and mapping the area as a protected.

Vituo Phirum, an Apsara Authority archaeologist, said that the team paid close attention to their excavation technique to reduce the risk to the ancient buildings and artefacts found in the pit.

“The structure of the furnace we found is very special because the kiln is different from most of the furnaces in the Angkor area, which are large and long,” said Phirum. “Our find will be evidence for future researchers to discover the source of the furnace.”

• Tags: AICRD, Angkor Thom, Angkorian times