Goa earthenware, with its deep, rich, red surface has a charm and style of its own. The North Goa districts of Bicholim and Calangute are well known for its red clay pottery traditionally done by the Kumbhar community who now have added stoneware products to their repertoire. Making both utilitarian products for cooking and storing liquids – such as pots, bowls, plates and vases, they also craft items like lamps, idols, sculptures, planters, large figurines and masks for sale. The red clay is obtained from the fields in Bicholim then kept in water for two days and sieved through a net till a fine homogenous mixture is obtained. It is left to dry for 10 days till it is ready for kneading. The processes used include throwing, coiling, beading, pinching, sculpting and manipulating the clay to form the object. The Kumbhar also use the processes of moulds, clay slip as joinery and slab casting when needed. Local kilns are used for firing. The terracotta objects are fired in a kiln and cooled for a day. The products are sold at Mapusa and in weekly market in Panaji and Madgaon.
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