Bau Truc pottery village is located in Phuoc Dan townlet, Ninh Phuoc district in the South-central coastal province of Ninh Thuan. It is also known as one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia.
Notably, Bau Truc pottery products are all hand-made by skilled artisans from local Cham ethnic minority group. They do not use turntables. They shape products entirely by hands. This technique creates the typical look of Bau Truc pottery.
Regarding the uniqueness of Bau Truc pottery, the first thing to mention is the use of clay, which is entirely sourced from the fine natural clay along the Quao River flowing around the village. Products are not fired in kilns but on outdoor open fire, using wood and straw, for 6 - 10 hours.
Recently, Bau Truc pottery was recognized as the “Art of pottery-making of the Cham people on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding” by UNESCO.
Truong Thi Gach, an 80-year-old potter who has been making ceramics for her entire life
Bau Truc pottery products are diverse, including household items.
Via many stages of pottery making process, products feature life, culture and beliefs of local residents.
Cham temples play an important role in the Cham ethnic minority group’s culture and are also a typical product of the village.
Dan Tuna Khang learned the craft when he was only 14.
Products range from simple home utensils to different objects to meet customers’ demands.
Translated by Minh Anh