BARRO VIVO - Artesãos da Cultura Baiana

Summary

This transcript tells the inspiring story of a woman from Coqueiros, Bahia, who has dedicated her life to the craft of ceramic pottery. Beginning at a young age, she learned from her mother-in-law and other mentors, mastering the art of creating pottery that is deeply connected to the local culture. Over the years, she has built a reputation for crafting exquisite ceramic pots, used for cooking traditional dishes like moqueca and feijoada. The transcript also highlights the role of ceramics in the community, the challenges of working with the material, and the pride these artisans take in their work, which continues to be passed down to future generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The artisan has been working with ceramics since she was a child, learning from her mother-in-law after starting her own family.
• 😀 The ceramic work in the community is deeply connected to cultural traditions and serves as both a craft and a means of survival.
• 😀 The local ceramics are known for their durability, used for storing food and even for religious ceremonies in Candomblé.
• 😀 Coqueiros, a village in Bahia, is famous for its ceramics, which are made using natural clay and fired in traditional wood-fired kilns.
• 😀 The difference in cooking with clay pots versus aluminum is noticeable, with food prepared in clay retaining more flavor.
• 😀 The community values the craft of ceramics, with women in the village working together to maintain the tradition and pass it down to future generations.
• 😀 Despite facing challenges, such as the limited resources and the environmental impact of traditional materials like mangrove wood, the artisans adapt by using sustainable alternatives like bamboo and eucalyptus.
• 😀 The ceramic craft has gained recognition beyond the local community, with people from outside Bahia, including tourists and chefs, purchasing the handmade pieces.
• 😀 The artisan feels a deep connection to her work, describing it as her life’s passion and a way of honoring her ancestors and the traditions of her community.
• 😀 Young people in the community are beginning to take interest in the craft, learning from older artisans and continuing the tradition of ceramic making.

Q & A

What is the significance of ceramics in the speaker's life?

Ceramics is an essential part of the speaker's life, representing both a personal passion and a livelihood. The speaker has been working with ceramics for many years and sees it as a form of artistic expression and cultural preservation.

How did the speaker first learn about ceramics?

The speaker first learned about ceramics when they were 10 years old, under the guidance of a woman from the countryside. Despite the woman not being a perfect ceramist, the speaker loved the work and continued to improve their skills over time.

What role does ceramics play in the local community?

Ceramics is central to the local community's economy and cultural practices. It provides a source of income, and the ceramic products, especially clay cookware, are integral to traditional local cooking, such as in making moquecas and feijoadas.

What makes ceramic cookware unique compared to aluminum cookware?

Ceramic cookware, particularly when made from clay, enhances the taste of food compared to aluminum cookware. The speaker highlights that food cooked in ceramic retains a distinct flavor, and even leaving food in the ceramic pot overnight preserves its taste.

What is the historical and cultural significance of the ceramic traditions in the region?

The ceramic traditions in the region are deeply rooted in both indigenous and African heritage. The ceramic pieces, such as pots and cooking vessels, are used in religious rituals, particularly in Candomblé, where they hold spiritual significance and are used to prepare food for the orixás.

How has the speaker contributed to preserving and passing on the ceramic craft?

The speaker has been a key figure in preserving and passing on ceramic craftsmanship to future generations. They have not only mastered the craft but also shared their knowledge with others, encouraging youth in the community to continue the tradition.

What challenges does the speaker face in maintaining the ceramic tradition?

One major challenge is the limited availability of traditional materials, like wood from mangroves, which was used in kiln fires. Additionally, there are environmental concerns around sustainable practices, such as finding alternative fuels like bamboo and eucalypt to replace mangrove wood.

How does the speaker view the role of women in the ceramic community?

The speaker views women as central to the ceramic community, emphasizing that most of the work in ceramics is done by women. These women, some as young as 12, are committed to the craft, using it as a means of economic independence and cultural expression.

What impact has the speaker’s work had beyond the local community?

The speaker’s work has garnered attention outside the local community, with people from cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, as well as international visitors, coming to see and buy the ceramics. The speaker's ceramic pieces are celebrated for their authenticity and cultural value.

How does the speaker feel about the future of ceramic arts in their community?

The speaker is optimistic about the future of ceramics in their community, particularly with younger generations learning the craft. Despite some modern challenges, the speaker believes the tradition will continue as long as there is love and respect for the craft.