Terracotta figures are typically made through a process involving shaping clay and then firing it.
The most common method used today for creating terracotta figures begins by working with refined clay.
The Common Terracotta Making Process
According to common practices, the steps involved in producing terracotta figures are quite straightforward:
- Prepare the Clay: Start with refined clay, which is the basic raw material.
- Moulding: Give the raw clay its desired form by moulding it into the shape that has been visualized. This step establishes the figure's detailed appearance.
- Drying: After the initial shape is created, the mould needs to dry. This allows the clay to stiffen and prepare for the firing stage.
- Firing: The dried form must then be fired. This crucial step hardens the clay and transforms it into durable terracotta. Firing can be done by placing the piece in a kiln or on top of combustible material in a pit.
This process results in the creation of the characteristic reddish-brown earthenware known as terracotta, widely used for sculptures, pottery, and building materials throughout history.
