Hand-wheel pottery-making in the village of Zlakusa refers to the art of making unglazed vessels for thermic food processing. Zlakusa pottery is made of clay and calcite and is used in households and restaurants all over Serbia.
The diligent hands of Zlakusa artisans protect the four century-old pottery production method; a slow wheel is used to shape the earthenware, and it's fired in the open fire which is rare in this region.
The process takes seven to ten days and involves the preparation of clay paste, shaping, decoration, finishing, drying, and baking. These vessels are decorated with geometrical ornaments cut from wood or metal, and some have handles attached to them.
The "Zlakusa clay pots" have gained popularity throughout the world, since they are made using an old, unscathed technique. Artisan potters from Zlakusa make wonderful pots and also duvecare (similar to a casserole), sac (pot lids made of metal or ceramic), and much other earthenware.
Zlakusa pottery is commonly used in family and community events and is often presented at fairs and festivals throughout Serbia. Some dishes prepared in Zlakusa earthenware over an open fire have a unique taste. Due to its close connection to the natural environment, which provides its raw material.
Nowadays, traditional shapes, pots, bread-making, meat-frying pans, and small kitchen ovens have been replaced by modern shapes, as they have been adapted to the modern way of preparing and serving food. Knowledge and skills related to these processes are transmitted through direct participation with local craftspeople and experience.
Demonstrations at the Zlakusa Festival and classes at the Art School in Uzice provide several ways in which Zlakusa pottery is transmitted. Currently, twenty households in Zlakusa still create these dishes. All other techniques are the same as they were four hundred years ago, with artisans passing down their knowledge to future generations, preventing this valuable art from being forgotten.
The international eco-camp is also hosted in Zlakusa, and it brings students from several countries together. They are able to familiarize themselves with this unique part of Serbia and the methods of making Zlakusa pottery.
It is an old technique of handmade pottery made from a mix of stone and clay.
In Zlakusa, which is a charming small village that oozes naturalness, hospitality, and beauty, handmade earthenware is still made. The diligent hands of Zlakusa artisans protect the four centuries-old pottery production method; a slow wheel is used to shape the earthenware, and it's fired in the open fire which is very rare in this region.
Hand-wheel pottery making in Zlakusa, Serbia involves creating unglazed vessels for thermic food processing. These vessels are used in households and restaurants across Serbia, as they are made from clay and calcite, and are exclusively run by hand. The process takes seven to ten days and involves the preparation of clay paste, shaping, decoration, finishing, drying, and baking. These vessels are decorated with geometrical ornaments cut from wood or metal, and some have handles attached to them. The "Zlakusa clay pots" have gained renown throughout the world, since they are made using an old, unscathed technique. Artisan potters from Zlakusa make wonderful pots and also duvecare (similar to a casserole), sac (pot lids made of metal or ceramic), and many other dishes. Zlakusa pottery is commonly used in family and community events and is often presented at fairs and festivals throughout Serbia. Some dishes prepared in Zlakusa earthenware over an open fire have a unique taste. Due to its close connection to the natural environment, which provides its raw material, the pottery is closely bound to the village of Zlakusa and its environs.
Nowadays, traditional shapes, pots, bread-making, meat-frying pans, and small kitchen ovens have been replaced by modern shapes, as they have been adapted to the modern way of preparing and serving food. Knowledge and skills related to these processes are mainly transmitted through direct participation with local craftspeople and experience. Demonstrations at the Zlakusa Festival and classes at the Art School in Uzice provide several ways in which Zlakusa pottery is transmitted. Currently, twenty households in Zlakusa still create these dishes. All other techniques are the same as they were four hundred years ago, with artisans passing down their knowledge to future generations, preventing this valuable art from being forgotten. The international eco-camp is also hosted in Zlakusa, and it brings students from several countries together. There, they were able to clean walkways as well as explore and familiarize themselves with this unique part of Serbia and the methods of making Zlakusa pottery.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/zlakusa-pottery-making-hand-wheel-pottery-making-in-the-village-of-zlakusa-01466) (http://www.serbia.com/about-serbia/culture/intangible-cultural-heritage-of-serbia/intangible-cultural-heritage-as-a-guardian-of-serbian-identity/zlakusa-poterry/) |Subject=Art, Craftsmanship and Practices |Country=Serbia |SDG=(04) Quality Education, (08) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (09) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production }}