Difficulty in obtaining adequate packaging materials and distance from shipping has meant that pottery projects in West Timor are pretty much fated to supply the local market only. There are a couple of specialist pottery villages that do make some great pots ranging from small up to 10 litre but I am restricted when it comes to bringing craft of this type out of Timor.
The dried clay is first pounded to a fine powder, sifted then mixed with water to a firm dough. Using a smooth stone and rib bone of a cow or buffalo then begin to pat out the clay to form the pots. The pots are allowed to set a while then brushed to create the burnished almost glazed look. They are decorated afterwards.
Dutch occupation of Indonesia occurred over a period of 400years and the departing occupiers left small legacies in West Timor. Some of which was ceramics and the occasional Gin bottle. Whilst most of these rarities have left the island bound for places abroad I have just 2 left looking for good homes.
Copyright Julie Emery 22/02/2022©