JSS 1 Cultural and Creative Arts Flashcards: Meaning, Types, Sources and Uses of Clay

Question 1

What is clay?

Accepted Answer

A fine-grained natural earth material that becomes plastic when moist and hardens when dried or fired.

Question 2

Where is natural clay commonly obtained?

Accepted Answer

From clay-rich soil deposits, often below the topsoil or near riverbanks.

Question 3

Which type of clay is widely used for common pottery and often fires reddish or brown?

Accepted Answer

earthenware clay

Question 4

Which clay is fine, pale and used for porcelain ware?

Accepted Answer

kaolin

Question 5

Which property of wet clay allows it to be shaped without immediately returning to its former form?

Accepted Answer

plasticity

Question 6

What is the first step in preparing dug clay for modelling?

Accepted Answer

Remove stones, roots and other unwanted matter.

Question 7

Why is clay kneaded or wedged before use?

Accepted Answer

To make its moisture even and remove trapped air.

Question 8

How should unused workable clay be stored?

Accepted Answer

Wrapped airtight in plastic or kept in a covered damp container.

Question 9

What is the pinching method in clay work?

Accepted Answer

Forming a hollow object by pressing clay between thumb and fingers.

Question 10

What is the coiling method?

Accepted Answer

Building a form by stacking and joining rolled ropes of clay.

Question 11

What is the slab method?

Accepted Answer

Constructing forms from flattened sheets of clay.

Question 12

Why are adjoining clay surfaces scored and coated with slip?

Accepted Answer

To create a stronger bond between the pieces.

Question 13

What is a mould used for in clay work?

Accepted Answer

Giving clay a controlled shape by pressing or casting.

Question 14

Which clay tool is suitable for trimming and smoothing a soft surface?

Accepted Answer

spatula

Question 15

Why must a thick clay object be hollowed or dried with special care?

Accepted Answer

Uneven drying and trapped moisture can cause cracking or bursting.

Question 16

What happens to clay when it is properly fired?

Accepted Answer

It becomes permanently hard and more durable.

Question 17

Which is a practical use of clay?

Accepted Answer

making pots, bricks, tiles or sculptures

Question 18

Why should clay not be allowed into sinks in large quantities?

Accepted Answer

It can settle and block the drain.

Question 19

Which is NOT a clay-forming technique: pinching, coiling, slab building or hatching?

Accepted Answer

hatching

Question 20

A coiled pot develops cracks where coils meet. What was most likely neglected?

Accepted Answer

Proper blending or joining of the coils.

Strong work.