---
title: "Clay — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Clay is a malleable earth material shaped and hardened by firing. In AP Art History it anchors African ceramic traditions in Unit 6 and pottery across cultures."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-art-history/key-terms/clay"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Art History"
---

# Clay — AP Art History Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Clay is a malleable material composed of fine particles that can be shaped and hardened through firing. It is commonly used in ceramics and pottery.

## Related Study Guides

- [6.1 Cultural Contexts of African Art](/ap-art-history/unit-6/cultural-contexts-african-art/study-guide/Lr4Zp9tK7yemW1k0tj7F)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Pottery: Objects made from clay that have been fired at high temperatures to become durable and functional items like bowls or vases.
- Kiln: A furnace-like structure used for firing clay objects at high temperatures to transform them into ceramic materials.
- Coil Technique: A method of building ceramic forms by rolling out long ropes (or coils) of clay and stacking them on top of each other.