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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