In Hindu temples, idols are a symbolic icon. A murti (idol) is itself not a god in Hinduism, but it is a shape, embodiment or manifestation of a deity. Before each festival artists make these idols to celebrate.
Here is a process of making these idols by artists in Kumartunli, Kolkata, India
The idols are not made of baked clay or terracotta. They are made of sun-dried clay known as terracruda
Two types of clay are used during the process.
Entel mati – Black clay
Ganga mati – Soft white clay from the river bed
Terracruda evokes the ancient building material made from sun-dried mixes of clay, straw, and natural fibers.
After sundried, the first layer is painted white
Then another layer of paint is added
Most times, the face is made out of plaster molds
The whole process takes about 4- 5months
Framework is made of bamboo and dried straw which is then coated with layers of soft clay
