Ceramic Arts in the Dominican Republic By Merryn

Ceramic Arts in the Dominican Republic By: Merryn Owen

Introduction press play for intro

Pictures and Videos of Radhames Carela

Radhames Carela has worked with clay for more than 45 years. His mother was also a ceramic artist. In 1974 the wheel was introduced , but only to women. Radhames was only a child but had seen his mother and other women make such beautiful creations and wanted to make them himself. Radhames was determined to learn how to create a pot on the wheel so he would sneak down at night and practice. Radhames continued to learn about clay and the wheel.

Steps to Preparing Clay (photo of mine) 1. The clay comes from a clay mine called Bonao. 2. Then, it goes in the Hammer mill, that breaks down big chunks to small pieces. 3. Next, it is added with water in a machine that mixes it together. 4. Now, for making Ceramics, you work the clay to remove air pockets 5. Next, smack the clay on the center of the wheel.

History of Ceramic Arts in the DR The Native Tainos worked with clay to make pottery, and were known for their cave paintings. 500, 000 Tainos were living in Hispaniola before Columbus arrived. None were left alive. The Spanish brought African slaves to work on plantations. The Africans also had experience with ceramics. The area of Moca became the center of Ceramic Arts in the Dominican Republic. Near Moca there is a small town called El Higuerito that is home to many talented Ceramic Artists. The artists of El Higuerito have a reputation for pottery including the traditional Dominican “No-Faced Dolls”.

History of Traditional No-Faced Doll Dominicans say that the dolls are "faceless" because the women of the Dominican Republic are all very different and come from 4 different parts of the world and, it's impossible to create a doll with a face representing all Dominicans. So, the doll is "faceless" as a symbol of a country that includes everyone and, to remind people that race and skin color don't matter. Dolls are handmade and painted by ceramic artists from the town that I live, El Higuerito, Moca. They come in many sizes, colors and styles. . http: //lindawalshoriginals. blogspot. com. co/2015/02/the-history-of-handmade-faceless-dolls. html

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