Exercise: Discovering words and sayings from the ceramic tradition

The purpose of this exercise is to recognize the oral tradition that has been maintained by people in times when it was forbidden to study the Valencian language and even discouraged from speaking it, all through ceramics.

Ideal number of participants: 5–15.

Duration: 60 minutes.

Materials required: Old photos, historical pieces, clay and other elements to reproduce pieces of pottery.

Step-by-step description

A topic or situation is proposed for participants to tell their personal experience related to the ceramic tradition.
It is proposed that they contrast how the situation was before and how it is now. In the process, things that have changed or disappeared provide traditional information and vocabulary.
Finally, an activity is carried out with the clay.

Tips for the instructor

You can refer to the article on the "botijo" to support the exercise. In addition, here is a list of traditional vocabulary related to ceramics and pottery:

Alfarería (Pottery): It is the art of making objects of clay or clay.
Cerámica (Ceramics): This refers to a set of more refined techniques in which several firings of the piece are involved, more sophisticated glazing and finer decoration.
Loza y Terracota (Earthenware and Terracotta): These are techniques that are associated with pottery and ceramics.
Abrir la Pella (Open the Skin): Work with your fingers on it.
Albañal (Sewer): Container with water in the wheel or lathe to moisten the hands.
Alcabile: Small clay wheel to dry the pieces in the sun.
Albo: Also tree or axis that joins the head and the clove on the potter's wheel.
Alcatifa: Fuel storage near the furnace.
Alcohol de Alfarero (Potter's Alcohol): Leaf alcohol.
Alfar: Place where pottery or ceramic products in general are made.
Alfarero Aspero (Rough Potter): The person in charge of making unglazed pieces such as pots, pitchers, jugs, etc.
Alfarero Basto (Rude potter): The person in charge of making unglazed pottery containers: jars for lard, basins, etc.
Alfarero Fino (Delicate Potter) The person in charge of making fine pieces of more careful execution, especially tableware.
Alfarero juguetero (Toy Potter): The one who made small pieces of clay in Triana sold as toys.
Almájena (Sledgehammer): Container for the preparation of glazes.