Terra cotta has been used throughout history for
sculpture and pottery , as well as bricks and roof
shingles. In ancient times, the first clay sculptures
were dried (baked) in the sun after being formed. Later,
they were placed in the ashes of open hearths to harden,
and finally kilns were used, similar to those used for
pottery today. However only after firing to high
temperature would it be classed as a ceramic material.
The most famous terra cotta statues are those of the
Terracotta Warriors in China.



