Terracotta

Terracotta is clay-based earthenware made from ceramic. They are fine materials used in building constructions and making sculptures.

In general, they are brownish orange in color, which may vary depending on the constitution. 

But it is essential to understand that, although terracotta is similar to pottery, it’s not made from a potter’s wheel.

The making of a terracotta material involves the following sequence of steps.

Clay material is first refined and then molded into the desirable shape for production.

The clay is allowed to dry for sometime and then burnt on a kiln.

The transition of the color from brown to brownish orange takes place at this stage.

The material is generally porous and can be made water tight by surface burnishing the composition before burning in a kiln.

They find applications in garden ware, building decoration, tableware, and so on.

The efficiency of the final product can be checked by striking which will result in a ringing sound. Terracotta can also be recycled from older items of terracotta.

Terracotta occupies a central position in Indian life and culture. 

Terracotta art bears testimony to the varied and traditional practices of ancient India.