Four primary production methods account for Xux-ian clay figurines. The first employs moulds, often used tomake swallows and little girls. The second, hand-knead-ing, is used for horses and monkeys. The third combinesmould-making and hand-kneading for figures such ashorse riders. Finally, craftsmen sometimes add wire andsprings to make movable lions and horses. The mud andtools are simple and easy to find locally. Water is addedto the mud before it is beaten with a wooden stick untilbecoming soft like dough. Craftsmen often use bamboosticks as their tools, with one end dull and wide and theother sharp. The stick is used to craft the nose, mouth,eyes, and patterns on the figurines as well as the holes thatcreate sounds when blown.