Exploring the Potentials of Ibule-Soro Clay for the Formulating of Mid-Temperature Decorative Slip Glazes

Traditional potters and studio ceramists in Nigeria have restricted access to refined and affordable glazes which impedes pottery decorative practices to a confine where only biscuit and terracotta wares are made without glaze. This study investigates the effects of different slip compositions on pottery wares, focusing on Ibule-soro clay as a low cost effective decoration alternative for local pottery. It explores three locally available materials such as Ibule-soro Ball-clay, Iron oxide and Ijero-Ekiti feldspar. These materials were collected, processed, made into tri-axial blends and applied as pottery surface coating materials. Heat treatment tests was carried out and visual assessment was made, which reveals that slips made with right mixture of Ibule-soro clay, feldspar and iron oxide will fuse as decorative slip glaze when fired at 1170oC mid-temperature.

Ball clay, Triaxial, mid-temperature, slip and glaze

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