Episode 94: Pottery

Pottery, whether in the Rukai or Paiwan, is an important symbol. The Rukai believe that their own ancestors were born in clay pots. They see clay pots, as “divine pots”. To the Paiwan, clay pots are not only where ancestral spirits reside, but they are deeply related to history, beliefs and cultures.
But how are clay pots made?Where do the material come from?Can ordinary mud and sand be made into pots?What details do they need to pay attention to?
In this episode, we visit a Paiwan pottery expert, and we learn each step of its production.Through experimentation, we also find out the different characteristics of clay and sand.