„One of the most interesting and most questioned discoveries of this year is a complex kiln-type structure uncovered in a four-meter diameter pit. Inside it, a part formed in a semicircle from large stones was recorded, and the entire structure was surrounded by clay walls, possibly marking the vanished above-ground part of the kiln – the dome,“ says the directorate.
The structure contained layers affected by intense heat, ashes, and fragments of birch bark.
According to preliminary data, the object is dated to the second half of the 1st millennium.
The purpose of the structure is not yet clear. One of the hypotheses considered is that it could have been used for thermal material processing – burning or heating, and a connection with tar production is not excluded. Whether this interpretation will be confirmed will be revealed after laboratory tests – they should help to more accurately determine the dating and purpose of the object.
„The structure itself is a rare and unusual archaeological find. Together with other discoveries this year, it will help to better understand what activities were carried out in this part of the Pajauta valley,“ the statement says.
The research involved and archaeological practice was performed by 2nd–3rd year students of the Archaeology study program at the Faculty of History, Vilnius University. The work was organized and the research led by archaeologists Dovilė Baltramiejūnaitė and Gintautas Vėlius from the Kernavė Archaeological Site Museum.
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