ABSTRACT
This phenomenon is one of the problems militating against the growth of ceramic industry in Nigeria. The formulation of a clay body is a science which potters should pursue with vigour. The development of pottery depends on the understanding of the clay bodies needed in ceramic production. The discovery of Ibeto clay was a chanced discovery, coupled with the fact that Niger state is noted for pottery tradition that dates to many years. The need to study the physical content of Ibeto clay and to determine its suitability in tableware production has become necessary. In carrying out this research, the clay samples undergo chemical analysis which includes the use of X-Ray Fluorescence spectrphotmeter (XRF) and Bulk analysis by x-ray (Diffraction, XRD). Orient analysis was also carried out to determine whether the sample is a refractory material. The sample was also subjected to heat treatment to observe the behavioural pattern of the clay and also to determine refractory value. Other tests carried out were plasticity test, moisture content test, shrinkage test, and absorption test. Samples were made using the throwing wheel technique. The finished wares were both bisqued and glazed fired. The results of the study showed that Ibeto clay is a refractory clay and it does not swell. Two different glazes were formulated. The first glaze test consists of feldspar 40% quartz, 15% mixed wood ash 15% secondary clay 15% Ibeto Kaolin 15% and cobalt oxide or carbonate 0.2%. The result shows a translucent glaze enhanced by slip decoration. The second test consisted of Feldspar 40%, mixed wood ash 20%, secondary clay 16% and rice husk ash 24%. The result shows a milky bluish glaze it was also decorated with slip. During the firing in the gas kiln it was observed that at 6000C, the process of quartz inversion commenced. At 10000C vitrification process and melting of glaze commenced. There was no any casualty recorded while the firing lasted.