How to fire clay pots

Pit-firing clay pots is an ancient method of firing pottery that can preserve and protect your pottery. Here are the steps to pit fire clay pots:

1. Before pit firing, make sure your clay items are completely dry. Any moisture left in the clay can cause it to crack or explode during firing. The best way to do this is to leave them out on a concrete surface in the sun for several days.
2. Dig a pit in the ground, making it large enough to fit all your clay items on the outside of the pit, and the ability to make a fire in the middle of the clay items. 
3. Line the bottom of the pit with a layer of rocks. These rocks will be used to further heat the pots while they are fired. 
4. Place your pots on the outside of the pit.
5. Build a fire in the middle of your pots, this will warm your pots to remove any remaining moisture and also heat the rocks. 
6. When the fire goes out, place your pots over the rocks, and cover them in sawdust, kindling, and leaves. 
7. Use large hardwoods, surround your pots with these logs on all sides, and make a sort of teepee.
8. Light this on fire, and let the fire burn for an hour or two. 
9. After about two hours cover the fire with damp leaves and grass, and then cover this with a light amount of sod, leaving only a small smoke hole in the top. 
10. Let this cool for another hour and remove your clay items.