Hand built and decorated stoneware plate, showcasing a couple of cochineal bugs in the front (female in the top and male in the bottom) and the Nopal where they inhabit. The cochineal is one of the few insects that has been ''domesticated'' to be consumed (besides silkworm and the honey bee), and it was of great importance during PreColumbian times, especially in Mesoamerica. The most difficult part to decorate was the male Cochineal, as it was very detailed and the inlay lines had to be carefully carved out to preserve the homogenous line weight. The green colour comes from a slip I developed with green oxide and cobalt oxide.
 
Dimensions
Diameter 21.5 cm
Height 2 cm