Introduction
Earth and clay have been central materials in the cultural and spatial morphology of Makgobistad, South Africa. Their historical utility in constructing homes and artefacts is emblematic of the rich traditions of the community. Within the Rural Futurisms project, the trajectories of earth and clay are examined not only as relics of the past but also as materials with potential to adapt and innovate in response to contemporary challenges such as climate change and rural economic resilience.

Historical Context and Significance
In Makgobistad, earth and clay once served as the foundation of daily life, used to build homes, craft pots, and support agricultural activities. Mud houses, constructed with mixtures of earth, clay, and cow dung, symbolized traditional knowledge and resilience. Clay pots and earthen artefacts, intricately adorned and functional, played significant roles in rituals, food preparation, and storage. However, the introduction of modern building materials has relegated earth and clay to symbolic roles, preserved primarily for their cultural value.

Findings on Site
Through site visits, the project identified a decline in the production and use of earth and clay artefacts. Mud houses, while cherished for their historical and spiritual significance, are often replaced by brick-and-mortar structures, reflecting a shift toward perceptions of modernity and permanence. Artefacts that remain are typically stored or displayed as cultural symbols rather than tools for daily use. Yet, in these homes, earth and clay retain a quiet vitality, symbolizing continuity and adaptation.

Innovation and Workshops
The workshops held in Makgobistad explored earth and clay's potential to embody both heritage and innovation. Participants created objects reflective of the materials’ past utility and their imagined future. Traditional vessels coexisted with speculative designs such as furniture and architectural elements, showcasing the potential of earth and clay as sustainable and climate-adaptive materials. The process illuminated opportunities for hybrid approaches, combining traditional knowledge with contemporary techniques to address both cultural preservation and ecological resilience.

Conclusion
Earth and clay in Makgobistad represent more than materials; they are narrative threads connecting past, present, and future. Their enduring presence in the community reflects not just a resistance to change but a capacity for reinvention. The Rural Futurisms project situates earth and clay as crucial media for envisioning rural futures that honor cultural heritage while fostering innovation in response to global challenges.

Introduction
As the Rural Futurisms project seeks to address climate change and sustainability in rural contexts, mycelium has emerged as a material of interest for its probiotic properties and adaptability. The project investigates the potential of mycelium to complement traditional materials such as clay, fostering a dialogue between past practices and future-forward innovations.

Characteristics and Potential
Mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, offers a unique combination of versatility and sustainability. When cultivated with agricultural residues or similar substrates, mycelium can be shaped into materials with properties such as insulation, fire resistance, and biodegradability. These characteristics position mycelium as an alternative to more environmentally taxing materials. Additionally, its ability to grow within molds introduces possibilities for custom-designed artefacts, building elements, and everyday objects.

Experimentation and Observations
In preliminary offsite tests, the project explored mycelium’s compatibility with clay. The team experimented with varying ratios of mycelium, clay, and other substrates, discovering that while clay inhibited aggressive growth, the combination held potential for hybrid material innovation. Workshops in Makgobistad demonstrated the practical and conceptual possibilities of mycelium. Participants cast mycelium objects, such as candle holders, while engaging in conversations about adaptability and rural material futures.

Community Insights
Introducing mycelium to the community sparked critical discussions about its accessibility and applicability. Participants expressed curiosity about integrating mycelium into rural material practices while voicing concerns about the feasibility of cultivating it under local conditions. Although low-tech methodologies were applied, the question of natural habitat However juxtaposing mycelium’s modern, technical identity with clay’s rootedness in tradition facilitated a reevaluation of clay’s role as a sustainable and future-ready material.

Conclusion
Mycelium represents a material that, much like clay, invites patience and creativity. It challenges perceptions of what constitutes “modernity” and offers a way to rethink material innovation in rural contexts. Through experimental workshops and collaborative exploration, the Rural Futurisms project highlights the potential of mycelium to contribute to climate-adaptive rural materialities while respecting and revitalizing traditional practices.