Here are the ceramic rattles I made the last couple of days. I made these in the shape of a wood maraca. I just read there is evidence that native Colombians may have used ceramic maracas in 1500. I put larger clay beads inside each one in hopes of deepening the sound. After the rattles are fired the rattle is held by the handle and shaken to produce a sound from the ceramic beads rotating around inside the hollow bowl.
I put a piece of paper towel inside to keep the beads from sticking to the floor of the bowl. I also put a hole at the end of the handle to let the air and burnt debris escape. After I put the two pinch parts together I carved patterns to decorate the pieces. I plan on leaving these natural without any glaze.
These two rattle are about 6.5 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide at the widest point. I seem to do better making something the first time; the second one sagged a bit where I joined the top and bottom. I plan to make other rattles in different shapes and covered with various colors of slip and sgraffito or scratch through them to make the design.
I can't wait to fire these to see what tone they'll make. Thanks for reading and for all your comments and encouragement.
A great idea! I was wondering about letting the debris out and then you answered it, of course. Making musical instruments - what a great way to use the earth.
ReplyDeleteGreat, let the music begin ;^)have you ever tried making the whistles? ocarinas I think they are called....
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa, thanks, I hope they turn out, I tried to make the bowls more oblong in shape, but somehow they turned out more round.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna, thanks, I made one ocarina in the shape of a flute once in a workshop, I found it real tricky getting that hole placed just right to make the sound work, but it did sound wonderful to play the flute. Later at a show I dropped the flute on a concrete floor and it broke. Oops.
I think I like the idea of them being natural...kind of tribal??? Love your work...
ReplyDeleteOh that's smart! I hadn't thought of using a paper towel to keep the beads from sticking. I've rolled the beads in silica before and that seems to work too. My rattles have been little novelty sculptures, not for real play, so I'll be interested to hear how yours sound. Fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Turquoisemoon, thanks, well I couldn't figure out how to fire them and have the whole piece the same color. I could put a spray finish on them after they are fired, but these like you say I meant as more tribal looking.
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara, thanks and welcome, I really hated to put the piece of paper towel in there since I'm electric firing, but the silica sounds like a good idea. I suppose I could have waited till the beads dried out, I'll have to plan more in advance next time. I too am anxious to see if the sound is palatable.
These are beautiful Linda. One of the galleries that sells my work carries pottery rattles and they sell quite well.
ReplyDeleteHi Lori, thanks so much, well I hope I can make more and sell lots too.
ReplyDeletethis should be fun- I use to have a wooden pair and loved playing with them.
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about making seed pots?
I have one and it is so sweet.
Hi Meredith, thanks, what is a seed pot, put a seed inside? wouldn't it burn up in the firing? or do you put it in after? can you explain? thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea, these rattles. They look really cool.
ReplyDeletethese are going to beautiful to look at and fun! when i make rattles i wrap the clay beads individually with little scraps of newspaper.
ReplyDeleteI loved the tongue drum from your previous post and that maraca is sweet. I am inspired to try one myself, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of making a ceramic drum for ages but never quite got round to it so I will watch with interest if you have go.
Hi Barbara, thanks, funny I have never seen ceramic rattles before, I need to make more of these.
ReplyDeleteHi Michele, thanks, wrapping them individually would be a good idea. I don't mind using paper in a gas kiln, but somehow in my electric kiln I am reticent to do so, seems like it would clog up the works to me. I wish I had a vent system, one of these days.
Hi Christine, thanks and welcome, I've been doing some research on the drums and I think I may have to forego making them since I don't throw they need to be perfectly round and shaped a particular way and I can't see myself making a lot of them because I would want a substantial sized one to play, but maybe I'll try just one for myself to use, we shall see. Now the rattles I plan on making more. I am assuming as I get the details down I can manipulate the shape and size and size of the balls inside to change the tone to advantage, hopefully.