Pottery workshop – Parc Djerba Explore

THE POTTERY WORKSHOP

The pottery art was introduced in Tunisia by the Phoenicians. The Djerbian potters, particularly the ones from Guellala, created the turned pottery, fabricated in the workshops which are half buried underground in this region full of clay. More than 400 potteries were in this region but only 20 are remaining. The faithful reconstitution of the workshop will make you discover a world full of beautiful forms and colours: giant jars used for the food storage, the enamelled objects with characteristic colours in a beautiful light. The clay takes shape in the potter’s hand. Then the creations will be cooked in an oven, nourished with palm tree branches.

In the drying room, with large stone walls, the pieces are stored before being put in the furnace.

The artisan is modelling the pottery on the wheel near the door to catch the light.

The jar, master piece of the Guellala pottery, was used for the food storage.

The drying furnace, half buried in the ground, is built with fireproof bricks; the fire is nourished with palm tree branches.

The drying room is lighted from above thanks to an opening in the ceiling. The broken potteries are used to make separations between the different parts of the workshop.