How Do You Cure Mexican Clay Pots?

Mexican clay pottery has a long and rich history stemming back thousands of years. Some of the earliest known pottery from Mexico dates back over 2,000 years ago to the Pre-Classic period of Mesoamerican history. During this time, clay pots were an integral part of daily life used for cooking, storing food and water, and ceremonial purposes.

Over the centuries, distinct regional styles of Mexican pottery developed, often distinguished by the clay used and firing techniques. Some of the most common traditional types of Mexican clay pots include:

• Barro Negro – A polished black pottery from Oaxaca characterized by its color and shiny surface.
• Talavera – Tin-glazed earthenware pots with vibrant colors and designs from the state of Puebla.
• Terra cotta – Unglazed red clay pots, common across many regions.
• Green glazed – Pots from Michoacán coated with a lead glaze resulting in a distinctive green color.

Today, Mexican clay pots are still widely produced across the country often using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Mexican pottery remains popular for cooking and serving food, as decorative pieces, and as an important cultural emblem of Mexico.

Raw Materials for Mexican Clay Pots

Mexican clay pottery is typically made from local, natural clays found throughout Mexico. The clay composition can vary based on the region, resulting in different textures, colors, and properties. Some of the most common types of clay used include:

• Terracotta – An iron-rich red orange clay that fires to a vivid orange color. Terracotta clays are found in central and western Mexico.
• Black Clay – A very dense clay with high mineral content that fires to a deep black or dark gray. Black clays are commonly found in Oaxaca.
• Buff Clay – Light brown clays found in northern Mexico that fire to a warm tan or buff color.
• White Clay – Kaolin clays that fire to a bright white, often found near Oaxaca.

In addition to clay, Mexican potters also incorporate various glazes, slips, paints, and other materials to decorate the fired pots. Natural glazes made from ash, lime, minerals, and other regional materials have been used since ancient times to add color and make the vessels non-porous. Brightly painted designs using mineral pigments are also a hallmark of traditional Mexican pottery.

Shaping and Forming the Pots

Mexican clay pottery is shaped and formed using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations of artisans. The three main techniques used are coiling, molding, and wheel throwing.

Coiling involves rolling out long snakes of clay and then coiling them on top of each other to build up the vessel shape. The coils are then smoothed together using fingers and simple tools. This is one of the oldest and most widely used techniques for making pottery around the world.

Molding involves pressing soft clay into or over a pre-shaped mold and allowing it to dry before removing the pottery shape. The mold can be made of various materials like wood, plaster, or clay. Molds allow efficient mass production of consistent shapes and designs.

Wheel throwing is done on a potter’s wheel that rotates while the clay is shaped by hand. It requires great skill to center the clay and raise up uniform pot walls, but allows asymmetry and a wide variety of shapes. Highly skilled potters can shape complex and delicate vessels on the wheel.

Common shapes and forms seen in Mexican pottery include: round bowls, vases, jars, cups, plates, figurines, incense burners, plant pots, lamps, and more. The shapes can range from simple, functional items to complex works of art.

Drying the Formed Pots

After the clay pots have been shaped and formed, the next important step is allowing them to dry properly before firing. Drying the pots evenly and thoroughly is crucial to prevent cracking or exploding in the kiln. Here are some tips for effective drying:

The pots should be allowed to air dry at room temperature. Do not attempt to speed up drying with direct heat sources like ovens or heat lamps, as this risks uneven drying and cracking. Place the ware on racks in a well-ventilated room.

Using fans or food dehydrators can help circulate air and remove moisture, but take care not to aim fans directly at the pieces. Keep air circulation steady and ambient room temperature around 70°F.

Rotate the pieces periodically so they dry evenly. Check for dryness after a few days. The clay should have a uniform “leather hard” consistency and no visible moisture.

Allow sufficient time for thorough drying, especially for large or thick-walled pots. Rushing the process risks trapped moisture turning to steam in the kiln, which can crack or burst the pots. Patience ensures your handcrafted pieces survive firing.

Firing the Clay

Firing is a critical step in creating durable Mexican clay pots. The goals of firing are to harden the clay and lock in colors from any applied pigments or decorative techniques. There are two main methods for firing:

Pit Firing

Pit firing involves digging a hole in the ground and building a fire within it using wood. The pots are placed around the edges of the pit and covered with fuel, sawdust, or other organic materials. As the fire burns, smoke interacts with the clay to create unique colors and patterns on the pottery. Temperatures can reach over 1000°F in a pit fire. Firing time depends on the size of the pit and amount of fuel, but may take 6-12 hours.

Kiln Firing

Kilns allow more control over the firing temperature and atmosphere. Gas, electric, or wood-burning kilns heat the pottery to between 1500-2200°F. Kiln firing usually takes 4-8 hours. The higher temperatures result in fully vitrified, non-porous clay with greater strength compared to pit firing. Kilns also prevent effects from smoke, resulting in more consistent colors.

Regardless of method, proper firing hardens the clay body and finishes the pots for use. Firing time and temperatures depend on factors like clay composition, pot size, and desired final look.

Adding Decorations

Mexican clay pots are renowned for their beautiful and intricate decorations. Artisans use a variety of traditional decorative styles and techniques to adorn the pots before they are cured and ready for use.

One popular decorative technique is painting. Artisans use natural earth pigments like iron oxide reds, manganese blacks, and copper greens to hand paint intricate designs onto the surface of the unfired clay. These mineral paints fuse with the clay body during firing to become permanent. Another painting method involves applying colored slips made of thinned clay mixed with pigments. The slip decorations also fuse during firing.

Glazes are also used to decorate Mexican pots. Natural glazes using ash, lime, clay and mineral pigments create a glossy coating on the fired clay surface. The glazes can be applied overall or in detailed designs. Some regions like Metepec are known for their distinctive glazes and glazing techniques.

Engraving or etching designs into leather-hard clay is another traditional decoration method. Artisans use tools to incise fine line patterns and images into the surface before firing. The engraved lines provide contrast and visual interest on the finished pot.

These time-honored decorative techniques add beauty, meaning and value to Mexican clay pottery. The diversity of traditional styles helps identify different regions and potting communities.

Curing the Pots

Curing is a critical step in finishing Mexican clay pots. After the shaped and decorated pots have been fired in the kiln, they undergo a curing process before they are ready to use.

Curing serves multiple purposes. First, it hardens and strengthens the clay body, improving its durability. The curing process also locks in the colors from any pigments or slips used to decorate the pot. Finally, curing allows any remaining moisture in the clay to evaporate slowly rather than quickly, which prevents cracking and breakage.

Curing time can vary based on factors like the size and thickness of the pot, but typically lasts 7-10 days. During this time, the freshly fired pots are placed in a warm, dry area out of direct sunlight. It is important to control the drying conditions, keeping the temperature constant and airflow moderate. The pots need sufficient airflow to dry slowly, but too much airflow will cause excess evaporation leading to cracks. Maintaining the right moisture levels is key.

Mexican potters monitor the pots closely throughout curing, spraying them with water if they appear to be drying too rapidly. By the end of the curing period, all moisture has evaporated and the clay has fully hardened to its permanent strength and color.

Using the Cured Pots

One of the unique aspects of Mexican clay pots is that after they are fired in the kiln, they are naturally porous and breathable. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and keeps the soil from getting waterlogged. However, the porosity also means cured pots alone are unsuitable for holding liquids.

To make Mexican pots impermeable, they need to be sealed or finished with a coating before use. Traditional sealants used by Mexican potters include natural waxes, plant resins, lacquers, and glazes. These provide a protective barrier while still allowing some breathability.

Sealed Mexican clay pots are safe for displaying plants, storing dry goods like beans and rice, and for cooking non-acidic foods at low to medium temperatures. The natural clay lends an earthy, organic flavor. Avoid cooking highly acidic foods like tomatoes in unglazed pots, as the acid can react with the clay. Also take care not to expose cured pots to extreme temperature changes to prevent cracking.

With proper curing, sealing, and care, Mexican clay pots can be passed down for generations and their rustic beauty admired. The porous terra cotta absorbs spilled water, helping prevent damage to surfaces underneath. Allowing the pot to fully dry between waterings will maximize its longevity.

Caring for Mexican Clay Pots

Mexican clay pots are beautiful but fragile pieces that require proper care and maintenance. Here are some tips for keeping your clay pots looking their best:

Cleaning Methods

Use a soft damp cloth to gently wipe away dirt and dust. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that could scratch the pot’s surface. For stubborn dirt, try mixing a mild soap with warm water and scrubbing gently with a soft bristle brush.

Storing to Prevent Cracking

Always store clay pots somewhere temperature and humidity levels are relatively stable. Rapid temperature changes can cause the clay to expand or contract, resulting in cracks. Avoid placing pots near heat sources like radiators or air vents.

When storing pots for long periods, wrap them carefully in newspaper or bubble wrap to prevent bumps and jostles which may cause damage. Place padding between multiple stacked pots.

Repairing Small Damages

For small chips, mix porcelain repair powder with a few drops of water to form a paste. Apply paste into the damaged area, let dry completely, then sand smooth. Repainted decorative details can be touched up with acrylic paint.

For cracks or fractures, use cyanoacrylate glue specially formulated for pottery repair. Apply the adhesive and clamp pot pieces together while glue dries. Wipe away excess.

The Legacy of Mexican Pottery

Mexican pottery has a rich cultural heritage and history behind it. The tradition of making clay pots and other earthenware vessels dates back thousands of years to the early Mesoamerican civilizations that inhabited Mexico.

Over generations, the practice of pottery-making has been passed down within families and communities. The methods and techniques involved draw upon centuries of accumulated knowledge and experience. Fashioning pots by hand from natural clay, then drying and firing them to create durable, functional vessels, is an ancient yet living craft in Mexico.

Beyond its practical uses, Mexican pottery also represents an important form of folk art. The decorative patterns and designs painted or etched onto the pottery carry great cultural symbolism. Styles and motifs vary between regions, reflecting local artistic traditions. Bright colors and abstract geometric shapes often feature prominently.

Many Mexican artisans today continue to produce high-quality clay works that honor the legacy of their ancestors. Their pottery stands out for its craftsmanship and the window it provides into Mexico’s rich indigenous heritage. Each unique piece connects not just to important cultural roots, but also to the artisan’s own family lineage of creative expression.