what is a kiln god?

and why isn't it on wikipedia?




I'm pretty good on the web, but the history of the kiln god... well, if you find something better, please forward it to me!  

In the meantime, I found an 83 page dissertation (which I did not read), some discussion board threads, a few ambiguous private website explanations, and some pictures from a national contest.  
I'll spare you those links and just give you my own equally worthless explanation...

A kiln god is a fun little piece of clay junk made to sit on your kiln and guard its firings.  

Your kiln god for our sawdust kiln will not be returned, but will rather be immortalized forever on my kiln ware shelves!  AND... in pictures right here.  :)

Now get working!