The use and fabrication of clay in modern Malta

Abstract

In the Maltese islands, clay has been utilized since the Għar Dalam phase, with the historical and archaeological record regarding its use and fabrication fluctuating over time. This research addresses the lack of documentation during the Modern period and aims to examine the relationships between potters, the clay used and the methods and techniques done to fabricate clay. The present study documents the tradition of clay fabrication and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge by recording the methods and procedures involved such as clay sourcing, preparation, shaping, drying, firing and decorating. This interface is explored through qualitative in-depth interviews with professional potters, each possessing over 20 years of experience, as well as with relatives of deceased potters. The collected data from these interviews informs a thematic analysis on aspects such as sourcing, methods, and the protection and sustainability of this artisanal craft. The research carried out demonstrates that the factors characterizing clay fabrication processes originate from the interaction between material and cultural constraints, leading to a variety of methods between different social groups. Pottery is also found to be primarily associated with historical and artistic reverence rather than as a profession. Consequentially it is in decline, largely due to the decreased practical use of clay and the prioritization of higher-income professions over traditional craftsmanship. It is argued that preserving the tradition of clay fabrication and its intergenerational knowledge is essential, despite the social shifts that challenge its sustainability.