In Sè, a village in southwestern Benin renowned as the country’s pottery capital, generations of women continue to preserve an ancestral craft that remains central to local culture and the economy. Working through the women’s association “Akpénin Mahou,” artisans transform clay sourced from nearby Dota into terracotta vases, pots, and dishes using techniques inherited from their mothers. The labor-intensive process involves drying, crushing, and soaking the clay before shaping, drying for weeks, and firing the finished pieces. Customers, both local and international, value the pottery for its durability and heat retention, making it especially popular for cooking traditional meals. Despite changing consumer preferences, local artisans are adapting their designs while maintaining traditional methods. Their work demonstrates how craftsmanship can safeguard cultural heritage, generate income, and ensure that centuries-old knowledge continues to thrive in a changing world.
Africanews