Craftmanship of Estremoz clay figuresPortugal
Representative List 2017
EN: The modelling process of Estremoz clay figures begins with the creation of a clay plaque, which will be the base that supports the figure
EN: The artisan models the figure's body, legs and arms with rolls of clay, fundamental elements of the modelation process
EN: The ball is another of the fundamental elements in the modelling process of Estremoz clay figures and it's used to create the head and other parts
EN: The end of the modelling process consists of 'dressing' and ornamenting the figure, using clay plaques that involve and decorate the rest of the elements
EN: The clay figures are dried and fired in an electric oven for 10 hours at 900ºC temperature
EN: After being fired in the oven, the clay figures are painted with tempers of vivid colors and covered with a colorless varnish
EN: The core of Estremoz clay figures is composed of 90 figures, even though, the most known are the figures called 'The Spring' and 'Love is Blind'
EN: The Estremoz clay figures depict the traditions, practices and customs of Portuguese people, being a particular way of transmitting their cultural identity
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EN: The Municipal Museum of Estremoz is performing educational activities, in which the artisans teach children and young people how to model clay figures, ensuring the safeguard of this art
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EN: The artisan Perpétua Sousa teaches her nephew Ricardo Fonseca how to model Estremoz clay figures
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