Clay and Terracotta Crafts

General Introduction
Indian has a rich tradition of clay and terracotta crafts including pottery throughout the country. Terracotta and clay both compliment each other as for preparing terracotta craft, clay is needed and vice versa. In preparing earthen ware products , terracotta craft uses clay which are also signified as building material. Then they are molded into various statuette , images , envisions and epitomes.

Clay and terracotta craftshave been applied and practiced for a long time , since Harappan civilization. It is applied and employed in various tribal societies, inspired by local legends and fables. Available in various designs and shapes , to retain the looks , glory of natural terracotta skilled artisans and potters apply cut patterns , twist , turns and infinite number of shapes on body to produce quirky terracotta pots.


What is Clay and Terracotta?
Clay is fine-grained, firm earthy material found in the earth's crust, in sediments and sedimentary rocks. When wet, clay is like plastic, stretchable and hardens when heated. Clay is widely used in making bricks, tiles, and pottery.

Terracotta is coarse, porous clay that has been molded in shape and when fired, produces a color ranging from dull ochre to red. Terra-cotta objects are of utilitarian kind, because of their cheapness, versatility, and durability.

Manufacturing Process
Terracotta and clay objects are either made by hand or on wheel then they are fired in an open oven. For providing finishing to them , surface is itched and polished with the help of stone or wood. Now a days , various pottery industries have been established which is running on modern lines as well as cottage lines. They are keeping age old traditions alive.

Prominent Places
Some of the places which are renowned and well known for their clay and terracotta work are :

• Assam: Two different communities Kumar and Hira are there in Assam known for their clay and terracotta work. Both of them by using different techniques produce beautiful pottery articles like chains, plates, cups , earthen lamps, clay dolls, diyas, pitchers, incense – sticks holders etc.
  
  
• Bihar, Bengal and Gujarat: These places are famous for making clay figure of Gods and Goddesses during festivals.
  
  
• Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh: It is famous and considered as home to keen clay figures of animals.
  
  
• Tamil Nadu: It is popular for its various terracotta figures such as horses with standing guards and riders which are placed at the entrances of some villages protecting the insiders from evil spirits.
  
  
• West Bengal , Kolkata: It famous for making clay and terracotta idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses like Durga , Shiva , dancing Nataraj , Ganapati (the Elephant God) and Buddha.
  
  
• Moela in Rajasthan: It is famous for its distinct styles and bright colors created with molded clay.
  
  
• Jaipur: It is famous for its unique patterns and functional items like flower pots or diwali lamps which are considered as part of our tradition since centuries.

Usage
Terracotta and clay articles are used for various purposes such as :

• Animal figure are placed in temple especially in rural parts of India for worship.
• They are used as decorative pieces for adorning and adding grace of your house.
• They are considered “perfect” pieces used for decoration.
• Terracotta and clay objects are not used as basic needs, they have maintained and continued their pride for exciting interior design and decorations.

Products
Terracotta and clay articles are quite popular and famous among Indian as well as international buyers. Terracotta products are made for home decoration as well as for special occasions. A wide range of them are available like :

• Flower Pots/ Flower Vases
• Pitchers
• Cut-work lamps
• Water pots
• Chillums
• Handis
• Musical instruments
• Figures of gods and goddesses
• Decorative figures of animals and birds
• Tiles
• Jewelry etc.