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 also made with the modeling technique and in
occasions with the aids of molds to produce pieces that
are then finished by hand. To model 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 finely finished with a wet cloth and sandpaper.
Once finished it is taken to a firewood oven during 10 hours
approximately at a temperature that ranges from 800 to 900
degrees centigrade.
The
black colour of the piece is achieved by placing camelido
guano inside each of them during the baking process. Once
baked, the craft undergoes a waxing process. Then the iconographic
design is carried out by using vinilic glue and paintbrushes,
covering the drawing with sand extracted from the dunes in
the Valles Calchaquíes.
