Exercise: Making a “botijo” and learning about heritage

The “botijo” (earthenware pitcher), a very typical Spanish piece of pottery, is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship with a rich history and a much-appreciated practical function, especially in hot climates. This exercise describes how to create the botijo and learn about the intangible cultural heritage that surrounds it.

Ideal number of participants: 5–15.

Duration: 60 minutes for creation, 5 minutes for sharing experiences.

Materials required: Clay, ceramic tools, paper, pencil and tape recorder for conversations, preferably also a "Botijo" to show.

1. Show a traditional "botijo": Start by showing a traditional botijo and explaining its function and the process of creation.
2. Prepare the materials: Make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand. This includes clay, pottery tools, paper, pencil and a recorder for conversations.
3. Creating the "botijo": Participants try to create their own clay "botijo", following traditional techniques: creation of the main body, internal casting, 2 holes and handle. This may include modelling the clay, adding details and preparing the "botijo" for drying and firing. Read the steps in more detail here.
4. Sharing experiences: Once participants have finished creating their "botijos", they should share their experiences. This may include discussing the difficulties and achievements they encountered in creating the "botijo".
5. Reflecting on cultural value: Finally, participants should reflect on the cultural value of the "botijo" and the importance of preserving these traditional techniques. This may include a discussion on the importance of "botijos" in Valencian and Spanish culture and how their creation has been passed down through the generations.