In addition to the cultivation of olive trees (from which the ancient name Oleara comes), the income of the inhabitants until a few decades ago was linked to the production of terracotta tiles. The tiles were transported on muleback to Amalfi, and from there they were shipped to various destinations, later known as “Vietri ceramics”.
The characteristic salmon pink color of “Neapolitan terracotta” was due both to the particular composition of the local clays and to the firing in “tuff” kilns, a very light stone that excellently withstands high temperatures.
The “Neapolitan wind” coming from the west fed the oxygenation of the kilns, all built with openings facing that direction, and the surrounding mountains supplied the bundles of wood needed for firing the clay. The lands for the production of terracotta derive from the decomposition of feldspars (which are the base of granites) and their composition contains aluminum silicates, alkaline-earth oxides, and iron oxides. It is the latter which, oxidizing during firing, give the tiles their characteristic red color.
Today, of the 15 existing kilns, only one remains active: that of the De Martino brothers, who continue to produce “Neapolitan terracotta” following the ancient working methods. Their kiln is 450 years old, measures 27 cubic meters, and is sufficient to fire about 500 square meters of tiles. Each production cycle lasts from 22 to 25 days because the leathery hardness (when the water contained in the clay has been reduced to 10%) and the white hardness (when the water content is at 3%) of the tiles are obtained by exposure to the sun. Naturally, if it rains, the times are extended.
In Ogliara the temperature of the oven is controlled by the expert eye of the kiln workers who manage to guarantee the constant 950 degrees necessary for the material to undergo the proper contraction, fuse, and vitrify, thus achieving an increase in mechanical strength thanks to the elimination of porosity. The color of the tiles inside the kiln is the indicator of the temperature, and the opening and closing of the 12 vents allow for homogeneous firing.
Meanwhile, Saint Anthony Abbot, protector of fire, watches over each firing so that everything goes correctly. A candle must always be lit for him, at every firing. You never know!
