New Pottery Video where we making a Pottery Tagine - Tajine.
The Tajine is a traditional Moroccan dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is a dish that is prepared in a special cooking pot called a Tajine, which is made of clay and is designed to slow cook meats, vegetables, and spices to perfection. Making a Tajine pottery on the potter's wheel is a unique art that requires both skill and patience.
To make a Tajine pottery, you will need a potter's wheel, clay, and some basic tools. The process involves shaping the clay on the wheel and adding various decorative elements to give it a distinct Moroccan look. Here are the steps you can follow to create your own Tajine pottery masterpiece.
Step 1: Preparing the Clay
Before starting, it is important to prepare the clay by kneading it thoroughly. This helps to remove any air pockets and make the clay more malleable. You can also add water to the clay to make it more pliable and easy to work with. Once the clay is properly prepared, you can start working on the potter's wheel.
Step 2: Centering the Clay
To begin, center the clay on the wheel by pressing it firmly in the center. The wheel should be rotating at a moderate speed. Make sure that the clay is centered properly, so that it does not wobble or become uneven when you start shaping it.
Step 3: Shaping the Clay
Using your hands, start shaping the clay into a round bowl shape. You can use your thumbs to create a depression in the center of the clay, which will eventually become the base of the Tajine. Keep your hands wet to prevent the clay from drying out and cracking.
Step 4: Adding the Lid
Once the bowl shape is complete, it's time to make the lid. To do this, cut a small amount of clay and shape it into a dome. Place the dome on top of the bowl and attach it using a score and slip technique. This involves making small scratches in the clay and adding some water before joining the two pieces together. Make sure to blend the two pieces of clay together so that they become one.
Step 5: Adding Decorative Elements
Now that the basic shape of the Tajine is complete, it's time to add some decorative elements. You can use various tools to create patterns and designs on the Tajine, such as a wooden tool or a metal rib. Some common decorative elements used in Tajine pottery include geometric patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and floral designs.
Step 6: Drying and Firing
After the Tajine is shaped and decorated, it needs to dry completely before it can be fired in a kiln. This process can take anywhere from several days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the Tajine and the humidity in the air. Once the Tajine is completely dry, it can be fired in a kiln at a high temperature to harden the clay and give it a beautiful finish.
The Tajine pottery-making process is a delicate and time-consuming process that requires skill and patience. It is an art that has been passed down for generations in Morocco and is still a popular tradition to this day. Making Tajine pottery on the potter's wheel is a wonderful way to connect with this rich cultural heritage and create a unique piece of art that can be enjoyed for years to come.
You can check our Pottery Video where we are making a Pottery Tajine on Potters wheel.
If you like the video, press the share button @sifouniospottery