Pot
Production date
Unknown
Country
Vanuatu
State/Province
Sama
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Object detail
Description
Earthenware pot with red slip, OWE.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander pottery
Maker
Production date
Unknown
Production place
Measurements
H92 x Dia118mm
Media/Materials description
Earthenware
History and use
In Wusi, pots are made by moulding a ball of clay the size of a fist. The ball of clay is hollowed out and then moulded to form the rough shape of a pot. The sides are built up by striking the outside of the vessel regularly in an upward motion with a small wooden or bamboo paddle, while holding the inside with a flat stone or the hand. Once the pot has shape, the potter flares the mouth with a turning motion before smoothing the clay.
The pot is then dried in the shade for some time. Following this process, they are then decorated with applied or incised patterns and covered with a red slip. This slip, made of iron-rich clay-like earth comes from a valley further inland and is obtained in exchange for pots. After further drying, the pots are fired. Upon completion of the firing process, the pots are then sprinkled with seawater in which arrowroot has been grated in order to make them more watertight.
The pot is then dried in the shade for some time. Following this process, they are then decorated with applied or incised patterns and covered with a red slip. This slip, made of iron-rich clay-like earth comes from a valley further inland and is obtained in exchange for pots. After further drying, the pots are fired. Upon completion of the firing process, the pots are then sprinkled with seawater in which arrowroot has been grated in order to make them more watertight.
Registration number
E5508
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