Stages of Clay

1. Slip-watered down clay in a muddy form. Can be used to attach two pieces of leather hard clay (like a glue)

2. Plastic-workable stage; can recycle; can join to other pieces 

3. Leather-hard-stiff and will hold its shape; can be joined to other pieces using slip; carve into; recycle 

4. Bone dry- very fragile; cannot be repaired if broken; can't attach more clay, can recycle; ready for firing

5. Bisqueware-fired once in kiln; can not be recycled; glazing stage 

Investigation Homework

Paste 5 images of wheel thrown mugs that you feel are visually strong. Annotate next to each image, why you feel it is visually strong. (Search potters webpages, google images for wheel thrown mugs,....)

Consider the following questions:

• How has the surface been dealt with? Did the potter use throwing or incised lines as decorative elements?
• How does the handle relate to the form?
• How doe the rim relate to the handle/foot/form?

Invention of the pottery wheel

Why did the Sumerians have a need to increase pottery production?

The Sumerians built embankments to control the flood waters of the Euphrates River. Gradually they drained the marshes and dug irrigation canals and ditches. The rich soil produced an abundance of crops. Eventually there was a surplus to feed city workers such as artists, craftsmen, and merchants.

• "Specialization" became more widely practiced

• Fertile land yielded a surplus of crops

• Population increase (villages became cities)

• Containers were needed for moving and storing food

• Trade became widespread