Pottery

Pottery

Pottery is one of the oldest crafts in history, practised by both men and women. In Lithuania pottery was most developed in Samogitia. Pottery centres were usually established in locations that could provide them with suitable clay.

During the warm season clay used to be kept on planks in shade in order to prevent it from drying, while in winter — in the porch in order to prevent it from freezing. Pots used to be made in a room near the kitchen. People used to work clay by hands, using a wire to divide larger pieces, while pots used to be made on a turntable turned by foot. Near the turntable there used to be a bowl with water to moisten the clay. The most popular wares were various bowls, pots, jars, vessels, sometimes — vessels for holy water or toys. Finished clay wares used to be taken off the turntable using a wire with a stick at each end. Items produced in summer used to be dried in shade, while in winter — indoors on shelves closer to the fireplace.

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Presented by Master Vytautas Valiušis