01/12/2024
In traditional Palestinian pottery, ceramic jug parts were often named after human body parts, drawing parallels between the vessel’s form and the human figure. For example, the neck of the jug is referred to as العنق (al-‘unuq), the handle as الأذن (al-udhoun, meaning “ear”), and the body or belly as البطن (al-batn, meaning “belly”). These terms highlight the intimate relationship between pottery and everyday life, including our surrounding landscape, reflecting the practical and symbolic significance of these vessels and how like human bodies they carry memories and histories. These vessels, like most traditional ceramics, were made using the coiling technique, starting with the base and lid, which were shaped by flattening a ball of clay on a wooden board. After the base dried, potters added layers of coiled clay in stages, allowing each coil to firm up before adding the next to ensure stability. Once the desired shape was achieved, the surface was smoothed with tools like wooden implements or pottery shards, eliminating any visible coil marks for a seamless appearance.
Among these traditional vessels are the “Hesha” or “Zir” (حشة أو زير), names in Arabic for large storage jugs. These clay vessels, typically 60 to 80 cm in height and diameter, were handcrafted in villages across Palestine. They were designed for storing water, olive oil or seeds, with the zir’s porous clay structure also enabling natural cooling through evaporation. Their wide, rounded body (البطن), narrow neck (العنق), and sturdy handles (الأذن) made them indispensable in everyday life, showcasing both functional and artistic craftsmanship. They were mainly used to store water and oil.
Image 1: Palestinian women of Betunia making water pots (zir) - Also for storing olive oil, early 20th. c.
Images 2-5 : Handbuilt ceramic vessels (zir) from Palestine, early 20th century
Ceramic designs, hand-made with love, 100% food-safe. Her ceramic works are functional, strong and versatile designs that are 100% food safe and lead free.
