October 14, 2019 – The picturesque village of Potravlje is situated at the foot of Svilaja, adjoining the edge of Lake Peruca. It is the cradle of Cetina pottery using a hand wheel, a craft whose beginnings date back to prehistoric antiquity of the 4th century BC. About fifty families kept this centuries-old tradition of making pottery in the Cetina region villages until WWII, and in the Potravlje region, about twenty of them. As far back as 1774, the famous Italian travel writer Alberto Fortis stated that these pots were more durable than those of his homeland.
This was a time when various earthenware, copper pots for cooking milk, or for preparing a turkey and corn polenta, cups for butter and sour milk, or for storing wine and grain, and even pans for grilling were used in households. Barbecue pans, baking trays, bell-shaped lids to cover pastry or other open-hearth dishes, serving plates, bowls, and drinking jars were all needed. Each container was named after its intended use. Today, along with some traditional pots, new forms are also being made, such as amphorae (for tourists), flower pots, and various miniature types of traditional utensils that are offered as souvenirs.
Thus, traditional pottery in Potravlje has been named intangible cultural property.
After a series of successful and highly visited workshops, the Tourist Board of Sinj, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, is organizing an educational workshop “Traditional Handmade Pottery from Potravlje” this year.
This year’s workshop will be held on Friday, October 18, at 6:00 pm on the 3rd floor of the Sikirica Gallery. The workshop will be led by Ivan Knezovic, one of the last masters of this traditional craft. The workshop participants, if they wish, will also be able to try making clay pots with the expert assistance of Ivan Knezović.
Nikola Belancic
Commemorative souvenirs have been prepared for all attendees, which will be distributed upon completion of the workshop.
All interested parties can send their applications by e-mail: [email protected] or by phone on 021 / 826-352 by Thursday, October 17th at noon.
Participation in the workshop is free of charge and the number of participants is limited.
