How to Make Mexican Pottery Clay

Clay needs purification before it can form beautiful pottery.

Mexican pottery clay is a type of clay dug from the ground in Mexico and purified to prevent cracks and damage. According to Traditional Mexican Culture, the clay is purified by either allowing it to dry and then crushing the clay or placing it in water until the sediments leave the clay. The clay is made into a wide range of pottery objects and with a variety of techniques depending on the area of Mexico and the potter.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel or similar digging implement
• Bowl
• Water

Instructions

1. Dig the clay out of the ground. Clay is a natural material found in the earth. According to Encyclopedia.com, clay is one of the three principal soils found in the earth with the other two being sand and loam. It is abundant throughout Mexico and is often found near the surface of the earth or along water sources like rivers if the clay traveled down the waterway. Clay at river edges is easier to obtain than clay below the earth.

2. Fill a bowl or similar container with water and place the clay in the water. Allow all of the sediments, such as small rocks and sand, to fall to the bottom of the container before removing the clay. This is a traditional purification method to prevent cracking.

3. Knead the clay until it is easily movable and soft. The clay is ready to work with once it is softened and prepared. Clay is not actually made by humans, only purified and shaped.

References

• Traditional Mexican Culture: Mexican Pottery
• Encyclopedia: Clay
• Clayhound: Oaxaca Pottery