|
|
The Potters of
Penujak
By Kerry Russell
When I was asked to write a few words about my trip for Lombok
Network I gasped, ‘only a few? I could write thousands’ which is
lucky as the purpose of my trip was to research traditional pottery
for my university dissertation, but not only do I have enough
information to make an excellent paper, I have also made friends for
life.
My experience here with the potters from Penujak has been possibly
the most rewarding of my life. Not only did I have the opportunity
to work and talk to the potters but to also live with a family
there. I was able to try real Indonesian food which was delicious
although very spicy, after all I was told that ‘lombok’ means chili.
During my time here I saw the different methods of making various
traditional pots, was told the story of the ‘stolen kettle’ a
drinking vessel that symbolizes the tradition of men ‘stealing’
their chosen bride in the night and was treated with the kindest
hospitality.
As a potter I reveled in the technique of making huge jars by hand,
the skills and swift hands of makers delighted me, they work quickly
and efficiently, the years of practice and knowledge coming together
to produce the perfect pot. I got to see the whole process from
taking the clay to the mountain to adding color with sawdust and
tamarind after the firing. But it was not only the potters that
fascinated me, I was able to see traditional sassak houses made from
straw and bamboo, the floor, a mixture of clay and buffalo dung.
I went to the local market and watched in awe as people bartered for
the array of colorful fruit and vegetables. My hosts and dear friend
Baiq told me all about the culture of Lombok people with pride and
enthusiasm. I even managed to pick up some sassak words in my short
time here, friends patiently telling me how to say the words and
laughing when I said one new phrase ‘Assalamualaikum’ to a Balinese
girl Ada working with Baiq who of course was Hindu! But any mistakes
were always met with a smile, in fact I saw smiles everywhere,
curious children would shout ‘hello hello ‘ and laugh when I said
hello back. Even when I couldn’t understand what the villagers said,
smiles and gestures were exchanged and understood.
I could sit and write so much more about my time here and I have
already made plans to come back next year, hopefully for a lot
longer, 8 days was not nearly enough, but for now I must say many
many thank you’s to my wonderful host Yannie and her family who put
me up in their home and showed me round the village, to the amazing
people here in Lombok and especially to my friends Pardi and Novi (Lombok
Network) who made all this possible and to Baiq from whom I learnt
the most.
I will take with me back to England wonderful memories of Lombok,
its people and the breathtaking scenery (and of course a backpack
full of Lombok coffee, how will I ever live without it!) I urge
anyone who has not visited Lombok to come and see for yourselves the
rich and colorful culture and lives of Lombok and its people. (Kerry
Russell)
|
Breaking News:
January 29th 2005
Far From Tsunami, Climbing an Indonesian Volcano
News Archives:
January 7th, 2005
RP. 34 MILLION FUND COLLECTED FOR ACEH
December
28, 2004
LOMBOK UNAFFECTED BY EARTHQUAKE, TSUNAMI
December
12, 2004
AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL AGENTS VISIT LOMBOK!
December
12, 2004
NOW LOMBOK HAS THIRD
AIRLINE SERVICE TO BALI!
September
21st, 2004
September
20th, 2004
New York Meets
Lombok
September 20th, 2004
Wind Power In
Lombok
September 12th, 2004
New Visa Regulation
June, 14,
2004
Mt. Rinjani
Expedition 2004
July, 04,
2004
Lombok’s Rinjani Named as One
of the Four Best Destinations Worldwide
July, 02,
2004
NZAID-backed Lombok trek a world-beater
July, 02,
2004
Four Tourist
Destinations Named Best Worldwide
Community
News:
Senggigi Business Forum Off To Great
Start For Lombok
Studies &
Observations:
The potters of Penujak
Community
News:
Campaign to Keep Lombok Tidy
Interviews:
Governor Of NTB Passionate About Tourism prospects for
Lombok
Visas and
Document Entry:
“Visa On
Arrival” Finally happens in Lombok!
|
