The Maltese clay modelling tradition

Abstract

The clay of Malta and Gozo is intimately linked with the life of the Maltese. Had it not been for the presence of clay, a natural water supply would never have existed and consequently settlement on the islands would have been greatly retarded. Clay, having formed the basis of local pottery, provides archaeologists with the earliest evidence of human activity. Clay has, in fact, encouraged the expression of local folklore and tradition in the form of handmade figures and statuettes, stimulated by the religious fervour of the Maltese and other prevailing circumstances.