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
- Push: Lean forward and press the heels of both hands down and away from you simultaneously.
- Spread: Let your hands follow the clay as it pushes out to the sides.
- Roll: Rock back and roll the clay back up toward you, using your fingers to guide it up onto its edge.
- 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 programs. The layering action it creates is similar to how a lamination process works, pressing layers together to eliminate voids. Bernard Leach popularized this method in the West after learning pottery techniques in Japan alongside Shoji Hamada.
