ALGERIA-POTTERY WORKSHOP Algerian potters showcase work at Tizi Ouzou festival

Record ID: 146194

  • Title: ALGERIA-POTTERY WORKSHOP Algerian potters showcase work at Tizi Ouzou festival
  • Date: 27th July 2015
  • Summary: MAATKAS, ALGERIA (JULY 25, 2015) (REUTERS) VISITORS BY DIFFERENT STANDS AT THE FESTIVAL VARIOUS OF POTTERY ON DISPLAY VARIOUS OF FESTIVAL BANNERS VARIOUS OF POTTER, WARDIA, TEACHING CHILDREN (SOUNDBITE) (Berber) POTTER, WARDIA, SAYING: "I learned this craft since childhood like when I was the age of these boys and I'm almost 70 today. But I am still committed to it and I w
  • Embargoed: 11th August 2015 13:00
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  • Location: Algeria
  • Country: Algeria
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA3BAPZ3J887KQKRDBBXVYUEPOC
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: The idyllic mountains of Tizi Ouzou are the backdrop for a pottery festival that's bringing together potters from across Algeria.
    More than 100 potters are taking part in the ceramics fair here, that focuses on Amazigh inspired creations.
    The festival setting isn't only an opportunity for craftsmen to show off their skills, but it's also an opportunity for them to sell their work.
    It offers visitors the chance to get their hands dirty and for children to learn the craft.
    One of those teaching the children is potter Wardia.
    I learned this craft since childhood like when I was the age of these boys and I'm almost 70 today. But I am still committed to it and I work to teach these children in order to keep this craft (alive), because it is the craft of our grandparents and it makes us happy,'' she said.
    "I want to learn this beautiful craft of these women as it's the craft of our ancestors, and I am sure that I'll benefit from it and that's why I am glad to learn it,'' added Imane, one of the children taking part in the workshop.
    For many here, showcasing their creations and teaching others to reproduce the work is a way of maintaining Berber culture in the country.
    "To maintain our heritage especially because Maatkas is the first region to start pottery and we do not want this craft to disappear. That's the reason why we teach it to the young generations,'' said potter Louiza.
    This is the sixth year for an event like this to take place and the local governor of Tizi Ouzou, Hocine Haroun said the occasion provides potters with a platform to share their knowledge.
    "First of all it's an exhibition of artisanal work of the artisans of the region of Maatkas, because Maatkas is renowned for its pottery. We organize a festival each year. Before it was a pottery party that we subsidize as popular assembly of the province, and now it became a festival where all artisans from the Berber region and other provinces meet to show their knowledge,'' said Haroun.
    Maatkas is also home to a pottery museum and a market, that gives potters the opportunity to sell their work all year round.
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