Primitive Technology: Mud Bricks

Summary

The video provides a detailed, step-by-step guide on traditional brick and tile making, from preparing timber and carving molds to shaping and drying bricks. It showcases techniques like using palm fiber to prevent mud cracking, assembling and firing a kiln, and making tiles from mud. The process includes careful measurement, carpentry joints, and kiln construction, with attention to drying times and heat effects. Viewers witness the transformation of raw materials into usable bricks and tiles, including handling imperfections and recycling broken pieces. The video captures both the craftsmanship and practical ingenuity involved in traditional masonry and tile production.

Takeaways

• 🌳 Timber is carefully cut and prepared, including measuring and splitting with tools like stone chisels.
• 🔨 Carpentry techniques such as carving tenons and mortises are used to assemble molds.
• 🌿 Natural materials like cane and palm fiber are used to lash molds and prevent mud from cracking.
• 🧱 Bricks are formed from mud, shaped, and set out to dry, with some cut into half bricks using bark fiber string.
• 📏 A total of 140 bricks are made, stacked, and arranged into a kiln for firing.
• 🔥 The kiln is carefully plastered, fired, and dried over several hours to ensure proper brick and tile formation.
• 🏺 Tiles are made from mud (not clay) and undergo a similar drying and firing process, with 30 tiles initially drying.
• ⏱️ The firing process is monitored at intervals of half an hour to three hours for optimal results.
• 🌡️ Stones in the tiles slightly melt due to heat, and some tiles break because of the mud's high sand and silt content.
• ♻️ Broken tiles can be reused as grog for future production, demonstrating sustainable practices.
• 🏠 Finished products include a tiled roof over the kiln, showcasing both brick and tile craftsmanship.

Q & A

What is the first step in the timber cutting process?

The first step involves cutting timber, which is the foundation for the construction process.

What role do branches play in the process?

Branches are a challenge to deal with as they can get in the way during timber cutting. They need to be cleared or avoided to make the process more efficient.

Why is the timber measured to 50 cm?

Measuring timber to 50 cm ensures that each piece is the right size for the carpentry work, likely for making joints or assembling components.

What is a tenon joint, and why is it important in the process?

A tenon joint is a type of carpentry joint where one piece of timber has a protruding end (the tenon) that fits into a corresponding hole in another piece. This is crucial for assembling structures with a secure, strong connection.

What is the purpose of lashing with cane?

Lashing with cane helps to hold components together while they are being assembled, providing temporary stability during the construction process.

What role does palm fiber play in the mud pit?

Palm fiber is used to stop the mud from cracking as it dries, maintaining the integrity of the brick or mold shape.

How are bricks formed and dried in this process?

Bricks are formed from mud, then set out to dry in the sun. The drying process helps them harden before they are used in construction.

What is the purpose of making half bricks, and how are they made?

Half bricks are created by cutting full-sized bricks using a bark fiber string. This provides smaller pieces for areas that require less material.

Why were 7 tiles broken during the firing process?

The tiles broke because the mud used to make them was high in sand and silt, which made the tiles more fragile during the kiln firing process.

What does the 'covering with broken tiles' step refer to?

The step of covering with broken tiles refers to the practice of placing smaller tiles over the main tiles inside the kiln to ensure even heat distribution during firing.