Traditional pottery has long been a feature of Myanmar life, but in recent years, it appears to be fading away.
In Twante, a provincial town just west of Yangon, more than 40 kilns stopped production during the Covid-19 pandemic, and most have remained closed since the 2021 coup, according to local pottery workers. Many were in operation for generations.
Today, they say, the number of pottery workers in the town can be counted on one hand.
Moreover, traditional kiln-made pots are being replaced by plastic items and decorative ceramic pots. The shortage of skilled pottery masters and workers, along with the increasing cost of raw materials, has caused many more pottery kilns to shut down.
“I continue because of the connection I feel to this craft. In the past, there were over 20 to 25 workers at this kiln. Now, there are just a few left, and no. . .
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