Craft Atlas
Terracotta is low-fired clay, shaped by hand into plaques, tiles, figurines, lamps and vases. In Bangladesh it continues a long tradition seen on the ruins of the Paharpur monastery and the Kantajew Temple, and today it is made by potter communities in villages such as Kagojipara and Shimulia in Dhamrai, near Dhaka.
No pieces in this craft yet.
About Terracotta
Terracotta, Italian for baked earth, is clay that has been shaped and then fired at a relatively low temperature, typically around 1,000 °C, until it turns hard and reddish. Fired clay has been a medium for art in South Asia since the Harappan civilisation, and the land that is now Bangladesh has a rich terracotta heritage.
Pottery has long been the work of the hereditary Kumar and Pal communities, who make everyday pots alongside decorative pieces.
Terracotta work today includes wall plaques, tiles, figurines of birds and animals, lamps, vases and planters, alongside everyday pots, plates and bowls.
Terracotta is low-fired clay, so it is a kind of pottery. The word is often used for decorative plaques, tiles and figurines as well as unglazed pots.
Each piece is shaped by hand and fired separately, so small differences in colour and form are normal. They are a sign that the piece is handmade.
Dust it with a soft brush or dry cloth, and use a slightly damp cloth for dirt. Avoid detergents and chemical cleaners.
Only if the maker says the piece is made for it. Decorative pieces may be painted or finished in ways that are not meant for food.
Reviewed by JADUZ curators · updated October 2, 2026