Quick Answer
CREATE FUNCTIONAL HANDLES ON COILED POTS BY SHAPING AND FIRING COILS OF CLAY, THEN ATTACHING THEM TO THE POT WITH A COMBINATION OF WEDGING, SLIP, AND FIRING. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT CAN BE PROVIDED BY INSERTING A WOODEN OR BONE INSERT INTO THE HANDLE.
Firing and Shaping the Handle
To fire and shape the handle, coil a separate piece of clay into the desired shape, making sure it is sturdy enough to support the weight of the pot. For a handle with a rounded cross-section, use a ratio of 3:4:5 for the diameter at the base, middle, and tip. Fire the handle separately at a low temperature to prevent warping, then shape and re-fire it as needed.
Attaching the Handle to the Pot
To attach the handle to the pot, apply a small amount of slip to the area where the handle will meet the pot. Using a combination of wedging and gentle pressure, attach the handle to the pot, making sure it is securely in place. For added support, insert a wooden or bone insert into the handle and then attach the handle to the pot.
Waterproofing the Handle
To waterproof the handle, apply a thin layer of natural wax, such as beeswax or plant-based wax, to the handle after it has been fired. This will help to prevent moisture from seeping into the handle and causing it to weaken over time.
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