BLACK CLAY

Region: San Bartolo Coyotepec, Oaxaca.

Process: The clay is kneaded until smooth and then molded into the shape the piece will take. Once molded, it dries in the sunlight for four days; then the artisan will make cuts if the piece requires it.

The brilliant effect is achieved by polishing the piece by hand with quartz crystals. After scraping, it is left to dry in the sun for another few days. Afterwards, the piece is placed in an oven (usually wood-fired) for a day. It is during this process that the black pottery acquires its distinctive color.

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Process: The clay is kneaded until smooth and then molded into the shape the piece will take. Once molded, it dries in the sunlight for four days; later the craftsman will make cuts in case the piece needs it.

The brilliant effect is achieved by polishing the piece by hand with quartz crystals. After scraping, it is left to dry in the sun for another few days. Afterwards, the piece is placed in an oven (usually wood-fired) for a day. It is during this process that black pottery acquires its distinctive color.