Terracotta is often reddish-brown but the amount of iron oxide in the clay can affect the color. It can also be buff, deep red or black. It's strength and hardness can vary depending on the temperature at which it was baked.
Terracotta is made from specially selected clays that are mixed with water and ingredients such as silica which melt and give the final product a strong, smooth surface. It is then pressed through a device called a plug mill to give it a uniform appearance, then shaped by hand or a plaster mold and baked in a special oven called a kiln.
Terracotta was widely used in ancient Egypt, Assyria, Persia, Greece, China and Mesoamerica. During the Renaissance, terracotta was widely used for both architectural details such as cornices and window frames and sculpture. In modern times it is often used for walls, partitions and fireproofing.
When China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang died in 210 BC, his tomb was guarded by 8,000 life size terracotta warriors. Each warrior was modeled in lifelike detail including armor, clothing and individual facial features.