The
ancestors of the Sassaks came from the Hindu
based empire of Java which flourished in
the 14th century. Although nearly
all Sassaks are now Muslims, their language
and arts reflect their Hindu/Buddhist roots.
The
wide range of pottery reflects the importance
it holds in village life. Each type of
pot has a specific form and name linked
to its use within daily or seasonal life
and religious celebration.The lives of
the Sassaks are closely linked with the
harvesting and planting of rice. Water
is also of fundamental importance. There
are specific pots for the collection, storage
and serving of water, as well as vessels
for pouring water. Rice storage jars are
still made and used according to specific
ritual requirements.
The
pottery is made using clay dug locally. Greyish-brown,
the clay becomes a beautiful rich red brown
colour when fired. The potters work the clay
by hand, sometimes using a round stone and
wooden paddle. Firing takes place as soon
as the pots are dry. The pots are stacked
in a pile with firewood, coconut husks etc.
Once the fire is going well, the stack is
covered with rice straw which burns out to
leave a thick ash cover holding the heat
for the final stages of firing. Some of the
pots are burnished using a "slip" (a
mixture of clay, water and plant extract)
which is applied to the surface before firing
and then compacted using obsidian stone or
other small tools. When fired, this produces
a beautiful sheen to the pot.
Care
of Lombok Pottery
The
colour and sheen of the pottery will last
longer if not exposed to damp conditions.
If used directly as plant pots without
an inner plastic container, root growth
and pressure will eventually crack the
pots. Damp conditions are conducive to
mould and moss growth which may obliterate
any colour or decoration. While pots have
been stored outside in temperatures of
around -14°C without breakage, we do
not recommend this, as once water freezes
in the pottery it will expand and break
the pot.
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