Indians mark their countless temporary and cyclical worship traditions with clay. The raw material is found everywhere, as are the artists, village potters. Low-fired or sun-dried images, bright and newly commissioned for the events, soon disintegrate, clearing the way for the renewal of the next occasion.

Clay offerings, often in the form of horses, elephants or bulls, are made throughout India but are seldom seen beyond the rural localities in which they appear and disappear. To the donor, they represent a request to a local god or goddess for health, prosperity or protection.

Potter from Madurai District Tamilnadu State Southern India Yerumalai Velar forms the image of a goddess who will be worshipped at a three-day festival in a rural temple near his home. His family (lineage) serves a network of rural neighbours with clay pots and utensils, temple images and offerings, in addition to providing the services of priest and oracle.