Materials:
The firing process in many village pottery sites in Morocco consists of using materials like chopped up wood or woodchips to actually fire the kiln. However, there is a wide range of other materials that are utilized, like tires. Environmentally unfriendly materials like plastic bottles, egg cartons, cardboard and other garbage. Firings do differ from region, from what sort of product is being fired, and what type of kiln is being used. While there are great strides being made to prevent the pollution and health effects for all those in close proximity to the kilns, there is still a long way to go until both the artisan and the community at large is breathing fresher air.
Challenges:
The challenge for many is being able to afford the equipment needed for a gas kiln or electric. Let alone the price of electricity is a deterent for any potter, as it is extremely expensive. For instance, in Safi (Asfi) a gas kiln that utilizes buta gas can use up to 20 buta gas tanks for a large firing. Many of the village potters that I have encountered so far, have the desire to improve their products or firing process, but the means aren't readily available.
