The Northern California Experimental Firing Group [NCEFG] fire ceramics based on archaeological models. Its aim is to gain greater understanding of pottery manufacture in the past and to make beautiful pottery.

Formed in 2003, the NCEFG meets during the summer on the Bolinas peninsula, on the Pacific coast of Northern California. They make pots and fire them in a wood burning up draught kiln. Future plans include experimentation with pit and trench firings.

The NCEFG publishes an academic Bulletin with details of its activities, field reports, and additional papers concerning related experimental archaeological research and discoveries.

The NCEFG welcomes archaeologists, potters, technologists, handy folk, and all other interested parties.  All participation is free, gratefully accepted, and at volunteer's own risk.

The Northern California Firing Groups' 6th Season, Summer 2009, has new dates!

We will be making pottery July 1-7, and the firing, one single-fire, is currently scheduled for Saturday August 29 (cracking the lid Sunday afternoon).

Thanks to all who participated in 2007! Field notes have been posted here. Bulletin 4 detailing 2006 is now available. There is no Bulletin for 2007 due to technical and temporal difficulties. Please check out the 2007 field notes for details on that season. Notification of site updates will be posted to the NCEFG's blog.

Bulletin 4 is ready for download here.

The NCEFG gratefully accepts donations via PayPal to staff@ncefg.org.

Last update 05.2009