Potter's Wheel

The potter's wheel dates as far back as 3500 BC, first used in Asia.

Various early forms of the wheel were propelled by kicking a fly wheel in order to create the spinning affect.

Oddly, they weren't used in South America prior to Columbus. All pre-Columbian pottery is handbuilt.

Throwing

1 - Every pot starts as a rough piece of clay.

2 - It is wedged in order to loosen it up, much like kneading bread dough.

3 - Soon the clay is pliable, free of air bubbles and ready to use.

4 - The clay is centered on the potter's wheel by applying even pressure as the wheel turns at high speed.

5 - The potter opens the clay, leaving enough in the base for a bottom.

6 - By pulling outward as the wheel turns, the base expands and the pot opens further.

7 - The index finger on the outside is lower than the one on the inside. The potter squeezes the clay and pulls upward.

8 - When the clay has reached the desired height, excess is removed from the base.

9 - The open form can now be shaped simply using the motion of the wheel against the potter's hands.

10 - Most potters use a rib to smooth out the interior and give more shape.

11 - The bowl is removed from the wheel with a cutting wire.

12 - The pots sit on the shelves to dry.