Mexican Black Clay Oaxacan Pottery

the process:

Traditionally, the clay is molded by hand or on a potter’s wheel. After it is shaped, the pieces are set to dry for up to three weeks. If the intention of the artist is to obtain a sheen finish, the piece is then polished when it’s almost dry. The surface of the piece is lightly moistened and then rubbed with a curved quartz stone. This compacts the surface of the clay and creates a metallic sheen and dark color during firing.

The pieces are then fired in this above-ground kiln, using wood fires that heat the objects to extremely high temperatures.