Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is clay. This material, when shaped, dried, and fired, becomes permanent due to chemical changes during the firing process, which is a key part of ceramics. The firing process is irreversible, ensuring the durability of the final product.
Step-by-step explanation:
When clay has been first shaped, then dried, then finally fired, it is most permanent. The process of firing clay, known as ceramics, involves heating the clay objects in a kiln to a specific temperature so that the clay undergoes chemical changes and becomes hard and durable. This process is irreversible, making the finished ceramic object very permanent.
In the provided context, metal is cast using lost-wax casting, which involves creating a mold from the wax model, drying it, and finally, pouring molten metal into the mold. However, the question specifically refers to shaping, drying, and firing, which directly corresponds to the traditional process of creating ceramics with clay. Wood and glass do not undergo a similar firing process, and hence, clay is the correct answer to this question.