The
decorated ceramics is one of the most representative in the
Argentinean crafts. The process of elaboration of this type
of ceramics consists of several steps. First, the clay is
extracted from the mountains of the Valles Calchaquíes,
in small blocks, previous to a rigorous selection where high
quality material prevails. Then it is left in water during
1 or 2 days, later on it is strained with a fine filter to
remove all the sludges (stones, wooden remains, etc.) After
2 more days the clay is in condition of being used.These pieces
are carried out by the modeling technique and in
occasions with the aid of molds to produce pieces that then
are hand finished. To mold them knives and spatulas are used.
The use of handles is a characteristic of this type of Argentinean
craft, handles that are added to the piece when it is still
wet. Each craft is then finely refined and finished with a
wet piece of cloth and sandpaper.
For
the decoration of the piece, white clay is used to cover its
whole surface. The indigenous design is carried out by hand
with a thin paintbrush. Once the drawing is finished it is
painted using "engobe", a mineral paint, of different
colours. After the painting, the baking takes place and it
is carried out in gas ovens at temperatures ranging from 900
to 950 degrees centigrade. Once it is taken out of the oven
,the piece is waxed.
