# The Ram's Head: A Beginner-Friendly Wedge

Unit: Preparing Your Clay
Topic: Ram's Head Wedging Technique
URL: https://claybook.studio/learn/the-ram-s-head-a-beginner-friendly-wedge/

# Two Hands, Symmetrical Motion

Ram's Head wedging is the technique most pottery teachers introduce first. The motion is symmetrical (both hands do the same thing at the same time), which makes it easier to learn than the spiral.

## Why "Ram's Head"?

As you push the clay down and to the sides, the clay spreads outward like the curling horns of a ram. Once you see it, the name makes perfect sense.

## Hand Position

Place both hands on top of the clay with your thumbs together, pointing toward you. Your fingers curl around the far side of the clay lump. You should feel like you are cradling it.

## The Motion

1.  **Push**: Lean forward and press the heels of both hands down and away from you simultaneously.
2.  **Spread**: Let your hands follow the clay as it pushes out to the sides.
3.  **Roll**: Rock back and roll the clay back up toward you, using your fingers to guide it up onto its edge.
4.  **Repeat**: Push down and away again.

With each repetition, the clay rotates slightly forward. This creates the layering effect that presses air bubbles out toward the edges.

## Containing the Shape

The clay will want to spread wide. Keep it compact by:

*   Applying gentle inward pressure with your palms on the sides.
*   Rotating the lump 90 degrees every 20 strokes and wedging from the new angle.

## When to Choose Ram's Head

Ram's Head is usually the best choice when:

*   You are new to wedging and want a symmetrical movement.
*   You are working with medium-sized lumps and want control over force.
*   Your spiral wedge keeps collapsing and you need a more stable rhythm.

You can always switch to spiral later once consistency improves.

## Dig Deeper

The Ram's Head technique is sometimes called "bull's head wedging" and is the method most commonly taught in Western [studio pottery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_pottery) programs. The layering action it creates is similar to how a [lamination](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamination) process works, pressing layers together to eliminate voids. [Bernard Leach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Leach) popularized this method in the West after learning pottery techniques in Japan alongside [Shoji Hamada](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoji_Hamada).

## Check your understanding

### Question 1: Where does the name "Ram's Head" come from?

- [ ] A. It was invented by a potter named Ram
- [x] B. The clay spreads to look like a ram's horns
- [ ] C. It is used for wedging ram clay
- [ ] D. The shape looks like a ram's face

Tip: The clay spreads outward to the sides as you push, resembling the curling horns of a ram.

### Question 2: What is a key difference between Ram's Head and Spiral wedging?

- [ ] A. Ram's Head uses only one hand
- [x] B. Ram's Head is symmetrical, spiral uses a twisting motion
- [ ] C. Ram's Head is faster
- [ ] D. Ram's Head works clay from the outside only

Tip: Ram's Head is symmetrical: both hands push equally at the same time. Spiral uses an asymmetric push-and-rotate motion.

### Question 3: What helps keep a Ram's Head wedge from spreading too wide?

- [ ] A. Push only at the rim of the lump
- [x] B. Use inward palm pressure and periodic rotation
- [ ] C. Add water every ten strokes
- [ ] D. Wedge only in one direction without rotating

Tip: Use light inward pressure and rotate the lump periodically. That keeps the mass compact and easier to control.