How to Mine and Use Mexican Clay Pots: A Step-by-Step Guide

Mexican clay pots have been a staple in traditional cooking for centuries. These versatile vessels, crafted from natural clay, offer unique flavors and textures to dishes that can’t be replicated with modern cookware. The process of creating these pots, from sourcing the clay to shaping and firing, is an art form that has been passed down through generations.

This guide will walk you through the steps to mine and use Mexican clay pots. We’ll cover how to find the right clay, prepare it for use, shape the pots, and fire them properly. You’ll also learn about the benefits of cooking with these traditional pots and how to care for them. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to create and use your own authentic Mexican clay cookware.

Sourcing Clay for Mexican Pots

The process of sourcing clay for Mexican clay pots is a crucial step in creating authentic and high-quality cookware. Potters in Mexico have been using local clays for centuries, often digging it up themselves or having it delivered by donkey or truck. This traditional approach ensures that the clay used in Mexican clay cookware has the right properties for creating durable and functional pots.

Types of Clay Used

Mexican potters typically use local clays that are rich in minerals and have specific characteristics suitable for making traditional Mexican clay cookware. These clays often have a reddish color, similar to that found in Native American pottery. The type of clay used can vary depending on the region and the specific requirements of the pottery being made.

To achieve the right consistency and prevent cracking in the final product, potters often add temper to the clay. The type of temper used varies by location. For example, in Metepec, cattail fluff is used, while in Catlán, sand is added to the clay. In Ameyaltepec, potters use kapok as a temper.

Where to Find Clay

Finding clay suitable for making Mexican clay pots can be done in various ways. For those looking to source clay locally, it’s important to know what to look for in nature. Clay can often be found in areas where sedimentary layers are exposed, such as road cuts, stream banks, or construction sites.

When searching for clay, look for these visual properties:

• Crackled texture when dry
• Hard, angular chunks when dry
• Soft, plastic texture when wet

Clay is common in many parts of the world, but it’s often overlooked because people don’t know what to look for. When exploring potential clay sources, bring tools like a mason’s hammer or garden trowel for digging and containers to collect samples.

Testing Clay Quality

Once clay has been sourced, it’s essential to test its quality to ensure it’s suitable for making Mexican clay pots. Here are some simple tests that can be performed:

1. Plasticity Test: Wet the clay and try rolling a small coil. If it bends easily around your finger without cracking, it likely has good plasticity.
2. Slaking Test: Place dry clay chunks in water. If they break down completely within 30 minutes, the clay has good slaking properties.
3. Firing Test: Create small test pieces and fire them at different temperatures to observe how the clay behaves during the firing process.
4. Absorption Test: After firing, test the clay’s absorption rate by weighing it before and after soaking in water for 24 hours.

By conducting these tests, potters can determine if the sourced clay is suitable for creating traditional Mexican clay cookware. It’s important to note that processing raw clay often involves drying, crushing, and screening to remove impurities before it can be used for pottery-making.

Preparing the Clay

Cleaning and Refining the Clay

The process of preparing clay for Mexican clay pots begins with cleaning and refining the raw material. This step is crucial to ensure the clay is free from impurities and has the right consistency for shaping. To start, the clay is soaked in water until all lumps have dissolved. Some clays may resist soaking and might need to be ground up first. Using a paint mixer drill attachment can help break up lumps and get the clay soaked through more quickly.

Once the clay is thoroughly soaked, it should have a thin consistency, similar to paint or pancake batter. If the mixture is too thick, more water can be added to achieve the desired consistency. The next step involves screening the clay to remove any unwanted materials such as sand, rocks, sticks, and roots. This can be done using a window screen or a paint strainer bag, which provides a finer grain screen.

Adding Temper

Adding temper to the clay is a crucial step in preparing Mexican clay cookware. Temper is non-plastic material added to the clay body to promote more even drying and reduce the risk of cracking. For traditional Mexican clay pots, sand is often used as temper. The amount of temper needed can vary depending on the clay’s properties, but a good starting point is to add 20% temper to the clay body.

To add temper, measure out four parts clay to one part sand, which creates a 20% temper mix. This ratio can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the clay and the desired properties of the finished Mexican clay cookware. The sand should be thoroughly mixed into the clay to ensure even distribution throughout the clay body.

Achieving the Right Consistency

After adding temper, the next step is to achieve the right consistency for shaping the Mexican clay pots. This involves kneading the clay to mix in the temper and remove any air bubbles. Kneading also helps to even out the clay’s consistency and make it more workable.

To knead the clay, start by pressing down on it with the heels of your thumbs while cupping the clay with your palms and fingers. Then, use your fingertips to tilt the clay back up towards yourself and repeat the process. This technique, known as the ram’s head or ram’s horns technique, should be repeated at least 50 times and up to 100 times if necessary.

Once the clay has been thoroughly kneaded and has reached the desired consistency, it’s ready to be used for shaping traditional Mexican clay cookware. The prepared clay should be plastic enough to work with easily but not so wet that it sticks to surfaces. If the clay is too wet, it can be dried out slightly by kneading it on a porous surface like plaster. If it’s too dry, a small amount of water can be added during the kneading process.

Shaping and Forming the Pots

The process of shaping and forming Mexican clay pots is a time-honored tradition that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. Artisans use various techniques to create these traditional pieces of cookware, each method contributing to the unique character and functionality of the final product.

Traditional Coil Building Technique

One of the most common methods for creating Mexican clay pots is the coil-building technique. This ancient method predates the potter’s wheel by centuries and has been a staple in the Americas for thousands of years. To begin, the artisan forms a round slab of clay as the base, which is then placed on a work surface or “puki.” The potter then rolls out long, snake-like coils of clay and carefully attaches them to the base, building up the walls of the pot.

The key to successful coil building lies in the bonding pinch, which secures each coil to the wall of the pot. This technique has been passed down through generations and is crucial for creating sturdy vessels that can withstand the stresses of drying, firing, and use. As the walls are built up, the artisan uses various pinching techniques to shape and thin the walls, including the flat pinch and compression pinch.

Using Molds

Another popular method for shaping Mexican clay pots is the use of molds. This technique allows for more consistent production and is particularly useful for creating enclosed vessels. Artisans often use concave or convex molds, pressing the clay against either the inside or outside of the mold to achieve the desired shape. Some potters also use plaster molds, into which they pour liquid clay to create more intricate forms.

The molding process begins with the artisan taking a piece of prepared clay and flattening it into a cylinder shape. They then use a tool similar to a meat pounder to grind dried clay into a fine powder, which prevents the wet clay from sticking to the mold or work surface. The flattened clay is carefully draped over the mold and pressed into shape, with excess clay trimmed away using a wire tool.

Adding Decorative Elements

Once the basic form of the pot has been created, artisans often add decorative elements to enhance the esthetic appeal of the Mexican clay cookware. This can involve various techniques, such as incising patterns into the surface, applying raised designs, or using the “chorreada” (runny) technique popular in Oaxaca.

For more intricate designs, artisans may use handmade brushes to paint decorative elements onto the surface of the pot. Some potters also incorporate traditional motifs or personal artistic styles into their work, making each piece unique. The addition of handles is another important decorative and functional element. Artisans carefully shape and attach handles, smoothing the joints to make them seamless with the body of the pot.

Throughout the shaping and decorating process, potters take great care to avoid imperfections, as these are less tolerated in local Mexican markets. The attention to detail and craftsmanship involved in creating these traditional Mexican clay pots reflects the rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy of Mexico.

Firing the Clay Pots

Building a Traditional Pit Kiln

The process of firing Mexican clay pots often involves using a traditional pit kiln. This method has been employed for centuries and continues to be popular in rural parts of Mexico. To build a pit kiln, potters typically dig a shallow pit in the ground or use an oil drum as a makeshift kiln. The oil drum method is particularly effective and cost-efficient for those looking to fire their Mexican clay cookware at home.

To create an oil drum kiln, one needs to drill holes in the bottom and sides of the drum to allow for proper airflow. These holes should be placed about five centimeters above the bottom and another set about 20 centimeters higher. This arrangement helps to create the best airflow during the firing process, ensuring that the Mexican clay pots are fired evenly and thoroughly.

Firing Process and Temperature Control

The firing process for traditional Mexican clay cookware typically occurs in two stages. The first stage, known as the “primary fire,” is used to build a bed of coals and pre-heat the pottery. This step is crucial, as it helps to drive off any remaining moisture in the pots and prepares them for the higher temperatures to come.

During the second stage, called the “secondary fire,” the Mexican clay pots are stacked above the hot coals, and wood is placed over and around them. This arrangement allows the heat to pass over the pottery efficiently, using less fuel than an open firing method. The temperature for firing Mexican clay pots can vary, but it typically falls within the low-fire range, reaching temperatures between 1745°F (950°C) and 2012°F (1100°C).

To control the temperature and ensure even firing, potters often use a thermocouple or rely on visual cues such as the color of the smoke coming from the kiln. White or clear smoke indicates complete combustion and efficient firing, while dark gray or black smoke suggests incomplete combustion and the need for more oxygen in the fire.

Cooling and Finishing

After reaching the desired temperature, the Mexican clay pots are left to cool in the kiln. This cooling process is crucial and should be done slowly to prevent cracking or breakage. The thermal mass of an adobe or stone kiln allows it to stay warm for days after firing, enabling the pottery to cool down gradually.

Once cooled, the Mexican clay cookware may undergo additional finishing processes. Some potters apply lead-free glazes to their pots, which require a second firing at a slightly lower temperature. Others may choose to leave their pots unglazed, preserving the natural beauty and porosity of the clay.

It’s worth noting that traditional Mexican clay pots fired in this manner may remain somewhat porous. While this characteristic makes them excellent for cooking over an open fire, it also means they may absorb flavors and aromas from the foods cooked in them, adding to their unique charm and functionality in traditional Mexican cuisine.

Conclusion

The art of creating Mexican clay pots is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship passed down through generations. From sourcing the right clay to shaping, decorating, and firing these traditional vessels, each step has an impact on the final product’s quality and authenticity. The techniques used to make these pots not only preserve ancient traditions but also result in cookware that has a unique ability to enhance the flavors of Mexican cuisine.

As we’ve explored in this guide, the process of making Mexican clay pots is both an art and a science. It requires skill, patience, and a deep understanding of materials and techniques. By learning to create and use these traditional pots, we not only connect with a rich cultural legacy but also gain access to a cooking method that brings out the best in Mexican dishes. Whether you’re a pottery enthusiast or a cooking aficionado, exploring the world of Mexican clay pots offers a rewarding journey into a time-honored craft.

FAQs

How should I prepare a Mexican clay pot for its first use?
To properly cure a Mexican clay pot, fill it with water up to half an inch below the rim and add half a cup of vinegar. Place the pot on a flame tamer over low heat and bring the water to a boil. Allow the water to boil until only about half a cup remains. Once cooled, wipe down the pot and it will be ready for use.

Do Mexican claypots contain lead?
Yes, the FDA has found that some Mexican clay pots, even those labeled as “lead-free,” may contain levels of extractable lead that are comparable to, or in some cases exceed, the FDA’s action levels for extractable lead in pottery.

Are Mexican clay pots safe for cooking?
Mexican clay pots can be safe for cooking, but precautions are necessary due to the potential presence of lead. It is advisable to soak the pot in water for several hours and then boil water in it for a few minutes before first use to help remove any impurities.

What is the correct way to use a clay pot for the first time?
When using a clay pot for the first time, start by soaking both the pot and its lid in water. Thoroughly wash the pot without soap; you can use baking soda or an eco-friendly detergent instead. Fill the pot a quarter full with water, cook on low heat with the lid on until the mixture bubbles and thickens, then let it cool down before using.