Manufacturing Terracotta Tiles in Barapali

Craftspeople find space in or around their homes to store the raw material till they begin work.

The clay has to be soaked in water for two to three days and then mixed well before it can be used.

The craftsman’s workshop occupies his dwelling areas and many stages of the work is carried out in different areas of his home.

Earlier, moulds were also used to make tiles, but these have now been replaced by the wheel.

This lends a charming sense of integrated living, where natural materials, the artisans' skills and the utility objects in their everyday life are a part of an organic whole.

The semi-prepared clay vessel is ready for drying.

Once removed from the wheel, the clay forms are kept in the sun to partially dry and tighten.

A potter demonstrates how he evenly shapes the clay object by using a wooden beater and a stone base.

The wooden beater and stone base help the potter achieve an even shape.

Semi-finished products have designs made on them, and details are added while the clay is still wet.

The craftsmen use various tools to design and add finishing touches to the terracotta products.

To ensure gradual drying, the prepared articles are left in the shade for eight days, after which they are left in the sun to dry further.

Pots of different shapes and sizes kept to sun and dry before baking is a regular sight in Barapali.

This is the last step before the terracotta forms can be baked in the kiln.

Once the utensils are sunned, they are ready to be fired.

The furnace is brought to a temperature of 800 Celsius, and is kept alive for five to six hours.

The clay articles are put in the furnace and are completely covered.

After some hours, openings are made below to ensure airing.

The furnace is then allowed to cool for twelve hours, before the fired terracotta products are taken out.

The basic form of the tiles is made on the wheel and kept in the sun for the clay to partially dry and tighten.

Decorative animal figures, made by hand, are then attached to some of the tiles.

The steps involved in production are fairly tedious and time consuming, but the craftsmen consider it as an act of duty, to use their skills as a service to their society.

The craftsmen’s wares have a market locally in the village.

Additionally, they are sold in exhibitions and bazaars held in towns and cities.

Read more about the craft of Barapali terracottas here:
- Training and Workshops
- The Products
- Crafts Map