Pit firing is an interesting technique used by many ancient cultures, pre dating the development of glazes. It is basically a pit of the appropriate size dug into the ground into which layers of combustible materials and the bisque fired pieces are burned. It can also be done within a stacked brick "pit" built on top of the ground or even in a steel drum in a courtyard (must find a way!) Varied colours and surface effects on the work are achieved depending on the kind of clay