 Technique.
Local volcanic clay, sand and water and mixed by people dancing barefoot.
To form the pottery, large rings of clay are pulled upward into slab
shapes using a hand stroke that is unique to the art of Cocuchas.
The hand-pulled shapes are planed true with a corncob. Surfaces are
smoothed with a wet stone. When dry, the pieces are polished, then
fired on the ground over a large charcoal fire. Splashing with corn
meal solution completes the process (click
here to see photos).
The entire interior and bottom of the
exterior of the Cocucha are coated with epoxy for service-ability.
They are completely waterproofed on the interior, and the bottom
coating prevents transfer of ground moisture.
The dark Cocuchas are splashed with a
corn meal solution immediately after firing and while still very
hot. Variegated earth tones are burnt into the surface. Color varies
from golden bronze to near black, depending on the material applied,
the application technique, and the temperature of the piece at the
moment it is applied. ?Fire flash? markings from the firing are
also apparent.
The red Cocuchas are coated with a red
clay slip ("cinnabar") before firing. Fire flash markings
are very apparent. No other materials are burnt into the surface.
There are no other glazes of coloring
agents.
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