THE DEVELOPMENT OF RED SLIP CLAY FROM DOGO BENUE STATE FOR THE DECORATION OF CERAMIC WARES

Resumen

The need for the exploration of new alternative sources of ceramic glaze materials by modern ceramic studios and industries led to the investigation of local red clay obtained from Dogo community in Benue State for use as ceramic colourant. The sample of this clay material was collected, and the chemical constituents were scientifically analyzed through (XRF) Spectrophotometer with iron oxide (Fe 0 ) having the highest percentage 2 5 of 39.70% and insignificant amount of Lead Oxide (PbO) 0.58%. The aim of the research was to use Dogo red slip as an alternative under-glaze colourant to dull and undefined colouration of Nigeria indigenous ceramic products, which is also hoped to address the challenge in the high cost of imported ceramic glaze materials. This material been a natural clay material, it can be used to function as glaze colourant without necessary further processing beyond washing and sieving. Result from the chemical analysis of the material, and the studio research on various bodies of earthenware, stoneware and porcelain indicated that, application of Dogo red clay slip was most suitable on raw white earthenware body at 900ᵒC-1000ᵒC in an oxidized atmosphere. The slip also adhered to stoneware although indicating a purplish-grey colour but poor adherence on porcelain body. The property tests of the clay material on water absorption, shrinkage, fusibility and colour show that the clay material is suitable on low-fire temperature clay bodies to retain its bright colour. This result enables utilization of Dogo red clay slip in a conventional approach as a viable new alternative low temperature ceramic colourant. In view of the result therefore, the red slip was applied on raw wares before biscuit firing, and gloss fired with low temperature transparent glaze. This result provides convincing evidence that utilizing Dogo clay slip in a conventional approach has been viable as low temperature ceramic colourant. Thus, the research recommends for further exploration into Nigeria's indigenous raw materials to enhance the aesthetic appeal and marketability of its pottery products for economic growth.