Lori -- rather than this being coated with white slip is it possible that the black core is a result of the pipe being underfired, alllowing the core to appear "reduced." Is there anything radically different about the
pipe style other than the black core? That is, in a given kiln of pipes variation in firing conditions is expected. Also, despite Fleming's contention it wouldn't be necessary to put coal dust in the saggar (not
sure that would work anyway) to control the color. Again, causing a reduced atmoxphere in the kiln would result in a dark surface. Just a thought, Carl Steen


6/7/2002 9:31:16 AM, "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>Can anyone suggest sources that describe/illustrate black (dark gray) clay
>pipes that have a thin white clay slip/glaze? I have fragments from two
>different pipes, both have black molded clay bodies with white clay
>slip exterior.  One has white slip inside the bowl and the other
>does not.  This site is Virginia circa 1790-1812, enslaved laborer
>context.  I have also seen a few pipestems of this type in the Caribbean from the same time period.  Iain Walker (1977) mentions "According to Fleming, black clay pipes--sold to negroes--were produced by
placing coal-dust in the saggar . . ."  But he didn't give a source for Fleming.  I could send digital images if they would help clarify.
>
>Thanks,
>Lori Lee
>
>
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Carl Steen
Archaeologist
The Diachronic Research Foundation
PO Box 50394
Columbia, SC 29250
Web Site: http://diachronic.org