Clay Images of West BengalConstruction The clay images of West Bengal used in Hindu festivals are not made of baked clay (terracotta) but are of sun-dried, unbaked clay (terracruda). They are made using layers of different kinds and consistencies of clay on top of a straw framework attached to a wooden and bamboo base. The process is often lengthy and complex and the studios of the kumars or potters are full of images in different stages of construction. There are 3 key main stages of construction: Stage 1 - Making the base, armature and straw figures Stage 2 - Making the clay images and the painting process Stage 3 - Decorating the images |