Demand for clay utensils surges in Bhakkar

BHAKKAR: In addition to the blistering heat, summer in Bhakkar also brings a surge in the demand for clay pottery and earthenware. Pots, jugs, glasses and other vessels can be spotted at a multitude of shops in the district.

But do not let the simplicity of the crockery fool you; each piece is flawlessly crafted by a skilled artisan who has a number of years of expertise under his belt.

Clay, which is deposited on riverbanks, is used to make the earthenware. Potters buy this clay and bring it to their mini-workshops. At their shops, they prepare the clay and mud mixture which they mould into several shapes using their bare hands. After the vessel has been moulded, it is then baked and glazed in a furnace.

However, artisans crafting clay pots and earthenware are plagued by many issues. For one, the money that they earn is not enough to support their families, especially keeping in mind rising costs due to inflation.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, one artisan says that making pottery is a skill that his ancestors handed down to him. However, he is not given sufficient monetary compensation in comparison to the hard work he puts in producing the crockery.

Clay pottery a rare sighting in South Punjab

“If the situation continues, it will become difficult for me and other artisans to continue with this profession,” he maintained.

During the sweltering summer months, these clay pots and vessels are largely in demand in areas which do not have electricity or experience load shedding as they keep liquids and food, cool and fresh. Even people living in cities prefer to use clay pots to store their drinking water as it can help in preventing certain diseases.

President of the Pakistan Medical Association in Bhakkar, Malik Khalid said that clay pottery is made using organic and natural compounds. It has a positive impact on human life and has many benefits for human health.

Other plastic and metal utensils are made using harmful chemicals which can be injurious to health. In comparison, clay utensils are an excellent and safe alternative, he stated. He maintained that a seminar, educating citizens on the benefits of earthenware, will be organised in the district soon.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 29^th, 2019.