10 steps to Making a clay pottery Tagine Moroccan Cooking Pot
Making a clay pottery tagine Moroccan cooking pot can be a fun and rewarding project. Here are the basic steps you can follow to make your own tagine:
Materials:
- Clay (preferably earthenware or terracotta)
- Water
- Tagine lid (can be purchased separately)
- Pottery wheel (optional)
- Clay tools (such as a rib tool, loop tool, and knife)
- Kiln
- Glaze (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your clay. If using a pottery wheel, center the clay on the wheel and shape it into a cone. If not using a pottery wheel, knead the clay by hand until it is soft and pliable.
2. Use your hands or a rib tool to shape the clay into a rounded, bulbous base. Flatten the bottom of the base so that it will sit evenly on a flat surface.
3. Use a loop tool or knife to cut a hole in the center of the base. This hole will be where the heat source is placed during cooking.
4. Use your hands or a rib tool to shape the clay into a tall, tapered cone. The cone should be slightly wider at the top than at the bottom.
5. Attach the cone to the base by scoring the clay and applying slip (a mixture of clay and water) to the scored areas. Smooth the seam with a rib tool or your fingers.
6. Use a knife or rib tool to create decorative patterns on the tagine. This can include lines, dots, or other designs.
7. Allow the tagine to dry completely. Depending on the size of the tagine and the humidity in your area, this can take several days to a week.
8. Once the tagine is dry, fire it in a kiln according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will harden the clay and make it durable.
9. If desired, apply glaze to the tagine and fire it again in the kiln.
10. Once the tagine is completely finished, you can use it for cooking traditional Moroccan dishes, such as tagine with chicken, lamb, or vegetables.
Making a clay pottery tagine Moroccan cooking pot requires some skill and patience, but with practice, you can create a beautiful and functional piece of pottery that will last for years to come.