Our next stop on our Saraguro tour was the pottery factory. Once again, you would never find it without a guide, it is located inside an adobe building adjacent to an adobe house out a country dirt road. I doubt we could find it again even though we have been there.
When we got out of the truck, I noticed new construction going on across the road. I was fascinated by the roof. Although, I didn't ask, I bet this house is being built by the potter. Take a look at the pots on the roof. (You may have to click on the picture to make it bigger).
We were invited inside the factory. Quite honestly, it did not begin to compare to the quality of some of the pottery we have seen here in Cuenca, but Saraguro is a much smaller town.
This young fellow was demonstrating polishing the green-ware. These will be painted and fired. The finished result is an ornament (Christmas tree?) that looks like the hats the ladies of Saraguro wear.
And this youngster is etching a picture of corn on a small cup. Notice the pattern he is working from.
Here is an example of some of the pottery...
And here is the potter taking our money...
Is he rich? Well, take a look at this....
Here is the potter's lovely wife.
Here is the potter's grandson.
And the potter's kitty.
He is probably richer than he realizes.
As we were leaving, I noticed another kitty sunning on the roof.
As we headed back to town we saw the most beautiful couple on their way to town. They were dressed in their Sunday clothes, most likely on their way to church.
Our driver offered them a ride in the back of the pick-up. They gratefully accepted.
Then we were on our way to the town of Saraguro.
Next, I will share our adventures in the town of Saraguro.
Love,
Nancy
Oh that is beautiful pottery. I am excited to see what you picked out.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, that was a lovely couple. I imagine they were very happy for the ride, it looked to be very warm that day!