Discover the art of handcrafted pottery at Lombok Pottery Center. We offer unique, sustainable pieces made by local artisans, supporting Lombok’s cultural heritage.
Welcome to the Lombok Pottery Center (LPC). This organization is dedicated to keeping Lombok, Indonesia’s pottery traditions alive since 19881. LPC is in a region known for stunning natural beauty. It employs 214 skilled potter women. These women teach their ceramic skills to future generations1. Many are mothers who used to struggle to make ends meet. But thanks to LPC’s support, they can now provide for their families. They do this by making beautiful pottery and empowering themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Lombok Pottery Center was founded in 1988 in Lombok, Indonesia, a region known for its natural beauty and traditional craft villages.
- LPC has recruited 214 skilled potter women who pass down their ceramic techniques through generations.
- These women, often housewives with children, were previously unable to afford basic necessities but now find empowerment through pottery-making.
- LPC operates in three main villages – Masbagik, Penujak, and Banyumulek – where the raw materials are sourced from nearby hills.
- The pottery-making process at LPC involves soaking, filtering, and mixing clay with sand and water to achieve the perfect consistency.
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The Origins of Lombok Pottery Center
The Lombok pottery tradition is a skill passed down by women for generations.1 In 1988, the Lombok Pottery Center (LPC) started to help these women potters in Lombok. It gave them a place to show their work and make money.1
A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations
The art of pottery in Lombok is a big part of the local Islamic culture.1 It comes from three villages – Masbagik, Penujak, and Banyumulek. There, LPC members keep the tradition alive.12 Mothers have always taught their daughters how to make pottery, a tradition called ‘turun temurun’.2 LPC protects these old techniques and designs, which helps save Lombok’s cultural heritage.2
Empowering Women Potters in Lombok
LPC’s main aim is to make women potters in Lombok feel strong.1 There are 214 members, most are stay-at-home moms with little schooling.1 By selling their crafts, these women can make money and improve their lives. LPC helps them financially and makes them part of the community.
Preserving Cultural Heritage Through Pottery
The Lombok pottery tradition is very important, not just for the money it brings but for tradition.2 Making pottery is complex. It includes checking the clay, drying it in the sun, and adding designs by hand.2 LPC makes sure these old ways are not forgotten. They keep the Lombok cultural heritage alive for the new generations. This makes the community proud of who they are.
Lombok Pottery Center: Handcrafted Pieces with a Story
The Lombok terracotta pottery from the Lombok Pottery Center (LPC) highlights the region’s rich culture and art. It’s made using clay, sand, water, and cooking oil from local sources. Each item is a one-of-a-kind work that shares a tale of tradition and local growth.1
The Art of Terracotta: Colors and Designs
At LPC, potters use many methods and materials to create the unique pottery designs and colors. First, they prepare the clay by soaking it for two days, filtering it, then mixing with sand and water. This makes the perfect clay.1 They use stones, bottles, knives, and brushes to create the designs. The pottery is then fired in a kiln using dry leaves, wood, and coconut husks. This produces a range of bright colors, such as red, black, variegated, tamarind, and dark brown, each with its own story and meaning.1
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From Clay to Masterpiece: The Pottery-Making Process
Creating pottery at LPC is a detailed and caring process. It’s done by 214 Lombok artisans who are part of their team.1 They use clay from the nearby hills where their villages are. The clay is soaked, filtered, and mixed with sand and water.1 The artisans shape the clay with traditional tools and methods. Then, the ceramics are fired in kilns.1
Every piece of Lombok terracotta pottery made by LPC is truly a piece of art. It speaks of the skill, imagination, and culture from the region’s artisans. The whole pottery-making process, from getting materials ready to adding designs and colors, is filled with tradition and local pride.1 As we explore the detail and beauty of these handcrafted ceramics, we feel the spirit of Lombok. Here, the tradition of making pottery is strong, inspiring both creators and those who enjoy their work.3
Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods
The Lombok Pottery Center (LPC) is dedicated to helping people make a living in a way that doesn’t harm our planet. They work with local artisans, using fair trade and ethical sourcing. This means the potters are paid well, about two and a half to three times more than what they’d get working in a usual factory.4 It helps them earn more and build a better life for their families.
Ethical Sourcing and Fair Trade Practices
LPC is all about doing business right. They partner with local makers to make sure potters get a good price for their handcrafted items. This fair system gives the potters, especially the women, a chance to earn money on their own.5 It means more independence and a better life for them.
Empowering Local Communities
LPC doesn’t just stop at giving potters a fair deal. They also help build up the places where these artisans live.5 A great example is how 75 women in Penujak Village rely on the 4 cooperatives LPC supports for their income. This way, the whole community benefits. It’s a win-win that is good for keeping Lombok’s unique culture alive and helping the area’s economy grow.5
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