Gang mold

Gang molds, which permit molding a number of briquettes at one time, are preferred by many to single molds since the greater quantity of mortar that can be mixed tends to produce greater uniformity in the results. The type shown in Fig. 4 is recommended. 

As the mold closes, the compound is plasticized by the heat and pressure so that it flows into the cavities, leaving a thin layer of flash connecting all the pieces. The flash enables the press operator to pick up the load from each gang as a unit instead of picking up the individual pieces. The flash is then removed by tumbling or some other finishing operation. 

But bread mold or ration container, we now have to explain why these vessels spread so far so fast if they are not (yet) accompanying a residential population/ work gang/administrative structure. The fact that, while some were imported, many were made at the dispersed sites in which they are found would seem to invalidate the suggestion that they are a trade-good container or disposable packing (as proposed by Abdi 1999, cited in Potts 2009), as would the impracti-cality of the shape for any sort of long-distance shipping. ... 

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