The Pottery Tradition of Raquira: Colombia’s Magical Potters' Village | SLICE

100 kilometres north of Bogotá lies Raquira, a town founded five centuries ago by the indigenous population and nicknamed ‘Potters' Village’ by the Spanish conquistadors. There is pottery everywhere here, with pottery shops or workshops to be found around every bend.

Pottery was key to pre-Colombian populations. It was one of their most important activities. Jars and pots were used to hold water, maize and salt, and for preparing food. The pottery here has retained a utilitarian feel ever since, but it also has a magical quality about it, because pottery was considered to be a way of uniting all the elements: earth, water, air and fire.


Documentary: A World of Colors - Colombia in red
Directed by: Guy Beauché
Production : ZED & Voyage