Craft traditions

CLAY CRAFT

Clay craft is probably the earliest of man's creations. Pottery has been called the lyric of handicrafts because of its irresistible and universal appeal.Clay pottery is an ancient art form in India, dating back to well over 10,000 years, and nowhere in the world is the part played by traditional folk pottery greater than in this country.

Excavations at Mohenjodaro and Harappa , and clay objects found at the sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation, ratifies the high quality of skill and technology of the Indian Potter. According to Hindu mythology, Brahma is the creator of the universe, and it is said that he made the image of man out of clay before breathing life into it.

There are a wide range of pottery in India, such as pottery of the tribal or aboriginal people of India as well as Mohammedan pottery.

Most terracotta art and pottery is produced by moulding objects by hand or on the wheel, and firing them in an open oven. A smoother finish, when needed, is given by rubbing and polishing the surface with wooden palettes or stones while it is still wet.

The terracotta tradition of creating figures of deities on ceremonial and auspicious occasions brings out the religious nature of their pottery.

The most common form of pottery as such is the domestic one wherein the earthenware is simple, attractive, and true to the material.

The concept of clay toys is one of the most creative and sound of all the craft traditions. Black pottery, Blue pottery , Lac-coated terracotta, temple bricks and decorative roof tiles are some of the wonders that spin off the indian potter's wheel.