Terracotta Idol Making - Tirupati
As per the amount of clay required the quantities of clay is taken and knead with hand to obtain the clay into a roll form. Moulds are dusted with the chalk powder in a loosely tied cloth to get the impression to which the clay material has to take up.
The rolled clay is placed into the mould of even thickness from one and water is been sprinkled to its surface to keep the moisture in the clay. After the clay is completely applied to both the parts of the mould, water is slightly sprinkled to the corner surfaces and joined from one end aligning correctly to the other end of the clay mould.
Some amount of clay is taken and is then fixed to the bottom of the moulds. Extra clay is cut out and removed, closing all the gaps in the clay idol. The mould is then removed from one part and then the other part is kept to dry in one side of the room. After the clay dries to one extent the craftsman places the clay Idol on a stand, where he/ she can observe every features of the terracotta and shapes the detailing of the idol with the help of the bamboo tool. Finally a little amount of water is used for finishing of the idol.
In few of the cases the terracotta idols are cleansed with smooth running water. In other cases the water colours are painted to beautify the look of the idol. Colours are chosen as per the motif of the idol to be achieved mostly of the figures of Gods/ Goddess.
As per the craftsmen the master idol piece is made with the facial details or features are taken to consideration for its making. References are always taken from books, newspapers, photos etc. As the idol is arranged the mould of 2 inch thickness of two parts are combined to the idol with a flat strip of clay. Generally a mixture of Grease and Kerosene are applied on the idol to hold the mould paste.
