Pottery-related values, knowledge, lore and practices of… (Peru)
Nomination: Representative List 2021
EN: The clay is collected by awajún women in special places located in the amazon forest. This is a collective activity as every stage of the pottery process thus is made with joy and respect
EN: The Dukug, awajun wisewomen, are the main bearers of the pottery making tradition. In the picture Ms. Taijin shows the rolling and knead technique
EN: Awajun women make pottery without using moulds that results that every pot is a unique piece. The pinig is a small pot use to contain and drink liquids
EN: The firing of the pieces is a fundamental part of the process because it determines the hardness of the piece and therefore its usefulness. In the photo the dukug Zoila Shimip shows the process of firing an ichinak
EN: In the decoration of the vessels, women express their creativity, drawing with special tools the traditional figures of the Awajun culture. Even in small vessels such as pinig it can appreciate this delicate art
EN: The production of pottery is a feminine activity that usually has a collective character, it is through a group elaboration that the wise women transmit their knowledge, main values and practices and sharing the oral traditions around the pottery
EN: Once the process of painting and final finishing of the pieces is completed, the women potters express their satisfaction and pride for the work they have done
EN: The pinik are small pots that are used in daily activities and rituals. The Awajun people use it to drink water and the traditional drink called masato that is made from cassava and that is essential for awajun ceremonies.
EN: The flat base pots or ichinak are fundamental pieces in the daily life of the Awajun people, because that is where the food is prepared. These pots must be very resistant to support their constant use
EN: Awajun pottery is of very high quality and is intimately related to the healthy characteristics of traditional foods such as cassava and fish
