Terracotta of Madhya Pradesh
History
In Madhya Pradesh two - fold division of potters, i.e., those who work on chakraiyas (wheel) and those who model by hand (hathraiyas) are said to have originated long ago when a potter used his hand to model a pot meant for a sacred yagya or sacrifice. But due to the ritual pollution incurred on the pot the sacrifice was unsuccessful and the gods were compelled to ask the Chakraiya to model.
Techniques Used
The clay mixed with ash and sand is kneaded by feet, collected and cut with lahasur. It is then kneaded with hand, on peeda and a lump is made. All the solid particles are removed. The ready clay is kept on wheel for making various forms. A potters wheel has short sports, turns on a pivot of hard wood or metal and is provided with a large hub which acts as a revolving table. A vertical stick is inserted in the hole in the rim. The potter throws the kneaded clay into the centre of the wheel, and spins the wheel around with the stick. Due to the centrifugal force the lump of clay is pulled outwards and upwards and shaped into a vessel. This is pulled out with a string, dried and fired in a potters kiln.Clay article after firing turns to terracotta.
Design & Styles
The production of toys synchronizes with the Pora festival celebrated in almost all parts of the state. On the first day of the festival - the amavasya of Bhadrapad Masa - the tribal people worship terracotta bulls, tigers, elephants and horses, sometimes with one or a pair of matas as riders - to the goddess whom they worship for wealth, health and prosperity and for protection from evil spirits.
Common Materials Used
Mitti / clay, mustard oil, potter wheel, gum, starch, wax
Popular Products
Pots, containers, figurines, toys, terracotta bulls, tigers, elephants, and horses with one or a pair of matas as riders, serpents, birds.
