𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫

…𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑩𝒉𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒐𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏 𝑲𝒊𝒍𝒏 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑

By Babita Kharel

In the heart of Lhuentse district, a dynamic initiative is flourishing, fueled by the creative vision of a local artist. This initiative focuses on establishing a state-of-the-art kiln, crucial for pottery production, with specific features designed to transform Gangzur’s artistic landscape.

Gangzur village, situated in the northeastern region of Bhutan’s Lhuentse District, boasts a rich tradition of pottery-making, passed down through generations. The village is renowned for its earthen pots called jaze and thro, traditionally used for ara (locally brewed alcohol), curry, or soup. However, despite this rich heritage, the community faced challenges in sustaining this ancient craft due to a decline in the number of artisans.

The legacy of pottery in Gangzur village spans several decades. According to an elderly woman named Yangden from Mongar, in the 1970s, potter’s houses dotted the ancient trails in the village, and pots from Gangzur are known for imparting a special flavor to dishes due to the quality of its soil. Such tales not only recount the longstanding tradition of pottery-making but also emphasize the potential business opportunities based on its material and cultural values. The traditional production process involves meticulous steps, from selecting high-quality clay to handcrafting each pot on basic wooden planks.

Historically, the final firing process was hindered by adverse weather conditions, particularly strong winds. Open-firing of pots required a large quantity of logs and firewood, making gathering them challenging and time-consuming, especially for senior ladies. Using rudimentary tools and techniques passed down through generations, they could produce approximately 300-400 pots per month, generating a monthly income ranging from Nu. 40,000 to Nu. 60,000.

As a result of the declining number of producers, the artisans had recently been struggling to cope with the rising demand for their products. Conversely, the demand can be interpreted as a sign of the growth potential of pottery products as a more sustainable alternative to imported plastic options.

Recognizing the importance of preserving traditional crafts and improving production processes and techniques, the SHINE Project made efforts to capacitate the young professionals and construct a state-of-the-art potter’s kiln at the crafts place. The primary objective of the kiln construction was to enable the potters to fire their clay products in larger quantities within a short timeframe, with much less use of firewood. This technology solution not only empowers the craftspeople but also enhances their business prospects. With consistent temperature regulation in the kiln, better quality products can be generated, meeting market demands.

The introduction of the kiln and new types of pottery products has revolutionized the pottery-making process in Gangzur village, creating new opportunities for income generation by diversifying the products. With the kiln’s capacity to fire or bake 400-500 products within two hours, artisans can now overcome previous limitations imposed by weather constraints and wood firing. Moreover, proper use of the kiln ensures consistent quality, with products emerging clean and ready for glazing, eliminating the need for labor-intensive cleaning procedures.

A collaborative effort between STENUM Asia and the SHINE project recently brought an essential improvement to the traditional pottery community in Gangzur. Their objective was to design and build a new kiln to enhance the potters’ productivity while reducing their environmental impact. Rajat, a senior Resource Efficiency (RE) expert leading the STENUM Asia team, explained the challenges faced during the design and construction process. “There were moments when we weren’t sure if our science and engineering-based design would meet the approval of the experienced potter,” he said. “However, upon seeing the well-fired clay pots emerging from the new kiln, the joy and satisfaction on the potter’s face were a huge reward for the team,” he added.

According to Tshering Wangmo, Local Project Coordinator of The SHINE project, “Currently, only three individuals – Zangmo (54) and Tshewang Choden (66), are actively involved in pottery-making, handing over their knowledge and skills to the sole successor, Sonam Tobgay – whereas the whole community used to work in it up until a couple of decades ago.” This implies the urgent need to preserve this cultural heritage while envisioning growth in the modern market.

The project recognized the need to empower Sonam Tobgay with the knowledge and skills to diversify the product range and types. On behalf of the Gangzur group, he participated in a series of handicrafts design-thinking and skills training provided by the SHINE project. Sangay Dorji, a 63-year-old resident of Gangzur, and his wife Zangmo, carry on the legacy of pottery making, a skill passed down through generations in their family. Originally from Pangbang Sonamthang in Zhemgang, Sangay Dorji understands the toil involved in traditional pottery methods. They were time-consuming, requiring significant amounts of firewood and resources.

Now, their work finds a dedicated market, with Tarayana and several hotels, particularly from Paro district, being their regular customers. The kiln project has significantly increased their production capacity compared to traditional methods. Tshewang Zangmo, Economic Development and Marketing Officer for Lhuentse Dzongkhag, highlights the rich pottery-making tradition of Gangzur village. She said, “Here, artisans have meticulously shaped clay for generations using time-tested techniques. Traditionally, these clay pots were fired in open fires, resulting in inconsistent quality and high fuel consumption.”

“However, the recent introduction of kiln technology is revolutionizing Gangzur’s pottery industry. Kilns offer precise temperature control, leading to consistent firing and a wider range of achievable colors, textures, and glazes. This translates to higher quality, more durable pottery. Additionally, kilns are significantly more fuel-efficient than open fires, reducing production costs and environmental impact,” he added.

Artisans have embraced the new technology for its efficiency, control, and ability to produce consistent results. This allows them to streamline production, increase efficiency, and meet higher market demands. The economic benefits are undeniable, with artisans generating higher incomes and sustaining their livelihoods more effectively. Moreover, kilns open doors to innovation and experimentation. Artisans can now explore new techniques and firing methods, resulting in unique and diverse pottery that appeals to a wider audience.

Gup Tshewang Thinley of Gangzur Gewog says that government support can include assistance with marketing, branding, and export promotion to expand the market reach of Gangzur’s unique pottery. Collaboration with stakeholders can foster knowledge sharing, address common challenges, and leverage resources for the collective benefit of artisans and the pottery industry as a whole.

Looking ahead, the future of Gangzur’s pottery is bright. Advanced kilns with even more sophisticated temperature control mechanisms can further streamline production and reduce energy consumption. New artistic possibilities may emerge through innovations like advanced cooling systems, programmable firing schedules, and customizable kiln atmospheres. Additionally, with a focus on environmental sustainability, future kilns may prioritize reducing carbon emissions, minimizing waste, and utilizing renewable energy sources.