Chinese archaeologists discover three ancient kiln sites in Inner Mongolia

HOHHOT, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese archaeologists have discovered three horse hoof-shaped kiln sites believed to be part of a pottery workshop dating back to the Liao and Jin dynasties (907-1234) near an ancient city site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the regional institute of cultural relics and archaeology announced on Friday.

The discovery was made during excavations carried out between July and November around the former site of Wu'anzhou, a city originally established by the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) founder around a millennium ago, located in modern-day Chifeng City of Inner Mongolia.

Each kiln typically consists of a working area, a firing chamber and a flue chamber, shattered to various extents.

So far this year, archaeologists have uncovered more than 50 architectural remains across a 500-square-meter excavation area, including house foundations, ash pits, storage cellars and pottery kilns.

A variety of artifacts have been recovered, including pottery, porcelain, stone and iron objects, bone artifacts, copper statues, coins and architectural components. The pottery items include jars, basins and bowls. Iron items are primarily farming tools.

The findings offer valuable material evidence and important academic references for studying the hierarchical system and layout of Liao-era cities, as well as the daily life and production activities of their inhabitants, according to Gai Zhiyong, deputy head of Inner Mongolia Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology.

Systematic archaeological excavation at Wu'anzhou began in July 2023. ■