Bindhu Mathai was born in 1961 in Bangalore, Karnataka. She was initiated into this craft by self-interest and inspired by workmanship. She got the required training from her Guru, Ullaskar Dey. She received the National Award for Excellence in Terracotta Jewellery in 1997. Technique In terracotta jewellery, the used raw material is fairly coarse, porous type of lean clay. This type of clay is collected from the tank beds in and around Bangalore. The clay is allowed to dry in the sun. The dried clay is then powdered and put in a tub containing water. This is stirred well and filtered through a sieve. This sieved clay is collected and allowed to settle. After a few days the excess water is decanted. The clay in a slurry form is allowed to dry in trays. The plastic-like clay is taken and made into coils or thin slabs and then cut into required size and shaped into beads. These beads are sculpted and are allowed to dry naturally. They are baked at 800*C. Colour and finishing depends upon the baking. After baking, these beads are strung on strong thread and ends are tied with tasseled chords. By this process different types of necklaces, ear-rings, bracelets, rings, hair pins etc., are made. Smt. Bindhu Mathai AAKAR, Bangalore Ceramics, Bellary Road,Venkatala Yelahanka, Bangalore 560064, Karnataka.