[Clayart] kiln shelf question

[mel jacobson]

I have been searching for some time as to the
first kiln shelves used in kilns.

We know all about saggers, and there use, even
up to modern times, including now. But, where did the kiln
shelf come from?

We know the Greeks used a sort of hearth, shelf with holes
in the bottom of the kiln.  there is information on stilts of various
sizes and configuration.  We also know the early SW Indians used a natural clay
"hearth" But, what about the kiln shelf?????

I have been talking to both Bill Schran and Arnold Howard, but no luck.
mel

website: www.melpots.com
www.melpots.com/CLAYART.HTML