Publication Date
Summer 2025
Abstract
This research project investigated the geological and cultural aspects of clay used in traditional Newari pottery in Nepal. The study aims to compare the particle-size distribution of raw clay directly sourced from traditional deposits with that of processed clay prepared for pottery production. Methodologically, the project will employ a combination of mechanical sieving and hydrometer analysis to generate detailed grain-size distribution charts for both clay types. In addition to laboratory analysis, the project incorporates a cultural dimension through a field visit to Pottery Square, an interview with a Newari potter, and a field visit to the source of the clay that will explore traditional clay processing techniques, the evolution of raw clay sourcing practices, and the cultural significance of clay preparation in Newar communities. The results will provide insight into how geological properties and traditional knowledge together influence the quality and functionality of pottery clay, offering a comprehensive understanding of this artisanal heritage.
Disciplines
Life Sciences | Physical Sciences and Mathematics
Recommended Citation
Fabián-Hicks, Inés, "Geological and Cultural Investigation of Clay Used in Newari Pottery" (2025). Nepal: Geoscience in the Himalaya. 11.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/npg/11