A look at traditional Cypriot pottery
A UNIQUE WINDOW INTO THE ISLAND'S PAST
Traditional Cypriot pottery reflects both artistic workmanship and the everyday lives of its people. Evidence suggests that despite several outside influences, the island, as a whole, managed to preserve a unique and distinct pottery tradition that reflected all of its different period cultures. As the style of Cypriot pottery and ceramics remained relatively consistent across each period on the island, this form of expression is regarded by several scholars as a unique window into the island’s past.
SEVERAL UNIQUE STYLES
Several examples of pottery etched from stone have been unearthed from the early Neolithic Period. This is when people are thought to have first begun settling across the island. Ceramic pottery, in a conventional sense, is thought to have existed much later. It was at this stage that Cypriot potters across different parts of the island began to develop their own unique styles. Although these early ceramic examples were largely red in colour, there were several subtle differences that existed in each region. The south of the island was mainly dominated by monochrome pots. Some of these were combed while still wet to reveal a contrasting lighter clay beneath. The rest of the island typically had pottery that was decorated with red-on-white designs.
A COHESIVE CYPRIOT APPROACH TO AN ANCIENT ART FORM
Although the style of Cypriot ceramics remained relatively consistent throughout the island, its distinctive characteristics gradually adopted more Greek influences during the island’s Hellenistic period. This is in sharp contrast to ceramics from neighbouring regions that frequently displayed more eastern styles and had a far greater variety. This largely demonstrates a cohesive Cypriot approach to this ancient art form that allowed the island’s ceramic styles to remain unique. This occurred even after the island was ruled by several different civilisations.
HAND-MADE POTTERY
Today, there are still a handful of highly skilled Cypriot potters who continue to make pottery using time-honoured techniques. These artisans benefit from knowledge that has been passed down through generations. Like those who came before them thousands of years ago, they still use local red Cypriot clay. They still shape the clay by hand or on a wheel, and fire their art form in small kilns. This handmade pottery is incredibly unique and has stood the test of time. It is also a nice alternative to mass-produced pottery that is generic and largely disposable.
