Sanan Rai

Village of Laklolema, Dato, Likisa, Timor-Leste

+ 670 7597 9092

About

Product: Woven products

The clay pots are a very unique product and have become a tradition that has been established by the grandparents and not all municipalities have this tradition. 

The clay pots were very important for people’s lives in the past because women use the pots to collect water or put water to drink and also to cook some traditional food. It is made of specific clay and uses simple equipment such as a round stone and wood. Nevertheless, the process of making the pot is not easy because it takes time, patience and care to obtain good results. 

Currently, the clay pots can be used for decoration, as a gift to be given to people and also as part of cultural dances. It can also be used as a sacred item during cultural ceremonies in some places.

Clay pots, a testament to the rich heritage of the ancestors, have flourished as a tradition passed down from generation to generation. This extraordinary craft is not found in every corner of our land, making it all the more precious and unique.

Before, the clay pots held profound significance in the lives of our people. They were vessels of sustenance and life, serving as a vital tool for women who relied on them to collect and store water, as well as to prepare traditional food that brought families together. Handcrafted from carefully selected clay, these pots took shape under the gentle touch of skilled artisans, using humble tools such as a round stone and wood. Crafting each pot was a labor of love, demanding time, patience, and attention to detail to yield the desired outcome.

Along the years, the purpose of clay pots evolved. Today, they not only retain their functional value but have also found their place as artifacts of decoration, unique gifts imbued with cultural significance, and even as essential elements of cultural dances. In certain places, these pots have taken on sacred significance, serving as revered items during cultural ceremonies, honoring age-old traditions and customs.

Group Profile

Avo Ana Florinda, a remarkable farmer and custodian of tradition, carries the torch of clay pot making in Liquica with unwavering dedication. From a tender age, she learned this ancient craft from her parents and grandparents, allowing the artistry of clay pot making to take root within her.

Driven by a deep desire to preserve and perpetuate this cherished tradition, Avo Ana Florinda diligently molds clay pots with her skilled hands. Each creation is a testament to the knowledge and expertise passed down through generations, a precious link connecting her present to the rich tapestry of the past.

Avo Ana Florinda’s passion for crafting clay pots extends beyond the mere preservation of tradition. Recognizing the practicalities of life, she endeavors to sustain her livelihood by selling these creations. Through the fruits of her labor, she seeks to secure the means to provide for herself and her family.

Avo Ana Florinda lives in the village of Laklolema, Dato, Liquica and can be contacted through + 670 7597 9092.

Handicrafts

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