108 



KACHAL AND OTHER ISLANDS 



smallest kind can be prepared for the kiln without an interval 

 of waiting. 



The pot when dry is scraped with a shell, and then reversed, 

 and all superfluous material removed by means of a fine strip of 

 bamboo moistened with water, while the fingers, also wet, are 

 gently passed over the inner and outer surfaces in order to 

 smooth them. The pot is then replaced on the platform for 

 ten days more. 



The kiln is prepared by sticking bits of broken pottery in 

 the ground, a few inches apart, and on these the pot is set 

 upside down. In the space beneath it, a layer of fine wood 



Chauia Pottery. 



ash, and a quantity of coconut-shells and scraps of firewood, 

 are heaped. A wheel-like object, larger in circumference than 

 the pot, is placed on its upturned base, and against this rest 

 sticks of firewood stood on end. When the fire is kindled, two 

 or three women fan the flame, and with wooden pokers prop 

 up and replace the fuel. When the vessel is baked, it is re- 

 moved with the same implement and placed on dry sand. 



Coloured stripes are laid on by means of strips of unripe 

 coconut husk pressed against the vessel while hot — the acid 

 juice turning black the moment it touches the heated surface. 

 Finally a handful of moist husk is passed over the inner and 

 outer sides, imparting a light-copper colour to the parts not 



