Making of Terracotta Modeling - Maharashtra
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The clay is mixed with an appropriate amount of water to make it smoother and its handling easier.
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With hands, clay is patted flat to make the base for the intended model.
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Rectangular walls being built along the edges of the cavity.
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More flat sheets of clay being created for shaping the model.
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The flat clay sheets being attached to make the body of the model.
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A small cavity is made along the sides of the model to enable enough air passage.
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Anatomical features of the model being made by rolling, coiling, pinching the terracotta pieces.
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By carving with knives and other objects brings more definition to the model.
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Brushing the surface with a wet brush makes it smoother.
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Parts that are away from the COG (center of gravity) are attached carefully as they are prone to breakage.
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Important facial expressions and features being made using pencils, combs, and other available tools.
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The model is left to air-dry.
The name Terracotta is derived from the Latin words ‘terra’ meaning ‘bake’ and ‘cotta’ stands for ‘earth’, which together translates to baked earth. These earthenware are either glazed or unglazed versions made from clay that is dried and fired at 1000°C, giving a distinctly orange, red, brown, yellow, or grey color. Terracotta art has also grown as a favourite hobby among people apart from its popular commercial value and stance. Hence the natives could still practice and maintain the art in its most authentic tradition. Here the glazed pottery has been in existence for thousands of years in India, while the unglazed pottery items are the ones that the country is renowned for internationally.
On the trading front, today, India exports incredible terracotta items like statues, vases, decorative hangings, murals, Diwali lamps, lanterns, etc., on a large scale making the art form a rewarding one for the artisans. Mr. Anil Denghe, a senior artisan from Ahmednagar, is regarded for his range of mythical terracotta products. He trained by the famous clay artisan Mr. Arjun Shekatkar is felicitated with several reputable awards by the Government of Maharashtra for his contribution to the area.
For more details:
https://www.dsource.in/resource/terracotta-modeling-ahmednagar-maharashtra
