Topic 2:
Earthlodge Features — The Central Hearth

Hearths were placed near the center of the house by digging a circular hole below floor surface. It is not known whether they were constructed with a pre-determined diameter and depth. However, comparing the excavated hearths within the West Pasture houses, it is logical to interpret and compare the dimensions to modern day heating units. The comparable dimensions suggest hearth diameter and depth (compacity) relates to heating BTU per square footage, as these buildings were similar in size. Comparing three central hearths from excavated houses at Hank, Drover, and Pete, it appears there is a great deal of consistency, suggesting that there was a pre-determined hearth size.

The mouth of Hank’s central hearth measured 45 cm (17.7 inches) wide at the floor surface, and it tapered to a rounded bottom measuring 28 cm (11.0 inches) in diameter. The hearth bottom was 29 cm (11.4) deep below the floor level. Hank’s hearth contained a 5-cm-tall (2 inch) raised rim of plaster built up above the floor surface extending into the hearth three-quarters down the hearth wall. The profile showed several distinct layers of plaster that represent replastering episodes that occurred at different times.

Drover’s hearth measured 50 cm (19.7) at the floor level and tapered to 30 cm at the bottom. It had straight sides, ending at 35 cm (13.8) deep. The upper half of the hearth had a 5-cm-thick (2 inch) clayey plaster applied to the sides, but Drover’s hearth did not have a raised rim.

Evidence suggests the interior walls and bottom, were given primary applications of plaster. However, all three central hearths display secondary or perhaps multiple applications (maintenance) of plastering the upper half to three-quarters of the pit feature.

The fully excavated central hearth in Hank’s House. Note the layer of secondary plastering added to the upper wall and rim. This thin layer of dense clay represents a replastering or repair episode.

The central hearth feature in Pete’s house was oval in shape at the floor level, 35 cm north-south x 40 cm east-west (13.8 x 15.7 inches) due to thick plaster along the east wall of the pit. The interior, 30 cm (11.8 inches) in diameter, with an ending depth 24 cm (9.4 inches), contained an unusual feature constructed from clayey soil forming a globular three-legged stand referred to as trivet. This trivet feature would have supported a ceramic pot, keeping the bottom of the vessel off the bottom of the hearth during cooking activities. Most certainly, this hearth was used for heating the house during cold seasons as well as cooking.

Profile view of Pete’s hearth with clay trivet.

Looking closely at the clay trivet, this feature was not simply three rounded balls placed in the bottom of the hearth. The clay was intentionally molded while in a moist plastic state, welding three clay balls into a single tripod stand. This leads us to believe that someone molded this trivet inside the hearth and that it was specifically designed to support a pottery vessel for cooking on coals inside the pit. This was certainly not a random design, but this type of hearth cooking feature is rare. 

Overhead view of Pete’s hearth with trivet inside. Evidence indicates that three clay balls were in moist plastic state when they were placed in the hearth and welding together to form a tripod trivet (scale is 30 cm long in 10-cm increments).