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The Head of Dysert

The Head of Dysert

75.00

Celtic Mask from Dysert O’Deas:
This ceramic mask captures the essence of Dysert O’Dea’s history and heritage, skillfully crafted to represent the resilience and enduring spirit of Ireland’s rural past.

Size:
Height – 15cm
Width – 20cm

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Description

Dysert O’Deas, a historic site located in Ireland, boasts a breathtaking ceramic recreation of the Head of Dysert sculpture. This magnificent piece of art is a tribute to the incredible skills and artistry of the sculptor, capturing the intricate details and lifelike qualities of the original sculpture found on the grounds of the site.

The Head of Dysert sculpture is prominently displayed in a central location within Dysert O’Deas, where visitors can admire its intricate details and lifelike qualities. This sculpture represents the head of a local historical figure, and it is a symbol of the rich cultural heritage and history of the area.

In Irish culture, the Head of Dysert is considered a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and strength. Its presence at Dysert O’Deas serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of the site, and its stunning craftsmanship is a tribute to the skills and creativity of the sculptor.

Visitors to Dysert O’Deas, whether interested in Irish culture, art, or historical sites, will find the Head of Dysert sculpture to be a must-see destination. Its prominent display and stunning craftsmanship make it a highlight of any visit to the site, while its cultural significance adds depth and meaning to this magnificent work of art. The Head of Dysert serves as a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and strength in Irish culture, reminding us of the rich cultural heritage that can be found at Dysert O’Deas.

Making one mask is a long process and can take up to 2 weeks. I use stoneware clay which means that the clay is fired at a much higher temperature than earthenware which makes it frost safe.

The first step is to sculpt the head itself which is the used to make a plaster mold. This plaster mold then is used to press the clay into and produce the different types of heads.

The clay is then pressed into the mold and left in the mold for 24 hours until some of the moisture is absorbed and it becomes easier to loosen the clay head from the mold.

The clay heads then need to dry for up to a week. When completely dry they are sanded around the edges and loaded into the kiln for their bisque fire, which takes up to 14 hours. This is a firing that heats the heads to 1000°C. The kiln then takes almost 2 days to cool down so that the door can be opened.

If the door is opened beforehand thermal shock occurs and the clay pieces may crack. After this the heads are no longer brittle and are highly moisture absorbent. This is when the pieces are glazed and returned to the kiln for the second firing called the glaze fire. This also takes between 11 and 14 hours and the kiln take almost 2 days to cool down before the door can be opened and the finished pieces can be admired.

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