The primary industry of southern Meron is pottery and stonework, so houses like these are extremely common. Like houses in central Meron, they consist of half work space, half sleeping area; the kiln and kitchen, however, are separate from the rest of the house, to keep heat minimized.In the courtyard is the House Tree, a feature of all southern homes. The well has a square cover to to keep children from falling in.
The family workspace may be in the house, and so are the pottery storage shelves (in the back of the house), but their wares aren't sold from home. Many potters sell to merchants, who shop goods overland to central and northern provinces. Others bring pottery to the market and sell them; this, however, is a limited venture, since there are so many others plying the same trade. Only potters with a great deal of skill are likely to make a living at this.
In terms of wealth, the house pictured belongs to a potter who is either of middling skill or who is relatively new at his craft. Alternatively, he has so many children that he cannot afford a house of greater size. Dirt floors are commonplace, as evidenced by this home, and the grassy courtyard has been carefully maintained.
If this man became successful enough, he would probably expand the working area and build a separate kitchen so that the kilning room could be dedicated solely to that purpose.
Thank you to the anonymous potter whose house was used in this model.
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