Women of Guatajiagua create black clay pottery generations later
Over 300 artisans exist in the area today and 99 percent are women over the age of 25. A beautiful 45-minute walk from the valley takes you to one of many waterfalls and offers a breathtaking view of the Chaparrastique volcano.
- 1 year ago
February 27, 2023
GUATAJIAGUA, El Salvador — In every culture, unique characteristics or practices link people together – a shared gift, passed on from generation to generation. In El Salvador, a long-standing tradition in communities includes the manufacture of clay artifacts. Pots, griddles, dolls and other black clay handicrafts emerge from the hands of talented artisans. Fragments of the past hide beneath the glazed surface of the pieces, preserved for centuries.
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Black clay pottery production sustains families and attracts tourists
The practice often arose out of necessity. Families began working in black clay pottery generations ago to gain the resources necessary to sustain their families. Now, the artisans hope the next generation in El Salvador will keep the trade alive. These artisans begin by extracting the clay from a hill in the Guatajiagua municipality, in the department of Morazán. The clay’s black color comes from the Nacascolo seed extract which the pieces bathe in before molding. Then, in their own homes or gardens, the artisans shape the clay into something beautiful and enduring.
Once the creators form the piece, they bake each one in a handmade stove and place under direct sunlight for a full day to achieve uniform drying without cracks. Their creations hold special cultural significance, and the businesses remain family owned. The price of the Comales varies depending on the size, from $1.25 to $3.00.
Official, local statistics indicate over 300 artisans exist in the area today and 99 percent are women over the age of 25. The men help by collecting the wood used for baking the black clay pottery and helping in the sale of finished products. Visitors traveling to the Perquin area may opt to make a trip to Guatajiagua. While the name means “valley where tobacco is cultivated,” it’s main source of income today is pottery.
A beautiful 45-minute walk from the valley takes you to one of many waterfalls in the area and offers a breathtaking view of the Chaparrastique volcano. Temperatures in this region of El Salvador range from 70 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year. Some sources say the best time to visit is from late November to late March for warmer weather activities.
