Ceramics have been used for thousands of years in various applications, ranging from pottery and decorative objects to advanced engineering materials. They can be classified into traditional ceramics, such as pottery, bricks, tiles, and porcelain, and modern ceramics, including advanced ceramics used in industries like aerospace, electronics, biomedical implants, and automotive engineering.
During the ceramic workshops we will focus on the traditional ceramics. But use different more modern techniques.
The workshops we offer are:
Ancient art of pottery on Aruba
Many years ago, on our beautiful island Aruba, there lived a group of people known as the Arawaks. These were the island’s first inhabitants, and they had a deep connection to the land and its resources. Among their many skills, one craft in particular stood out—pottery.
The Arawaks used clay from the earth to create beautiful ceramic pieces. They made bowls, pots, and other containers that were essential for their everyday lives. These pots weren’t just for practical use, like storing food and water, but they also held special meaning. Some were used in sacred ceremonies, and the intricate designs they painted on them were filled with symbols that told stories of their beliefs and traditions.
The process of making these ceramics was an art in itself. The Arawaks shaped the clay with their hands, and once it took form, they carefully baked it in fire until it hardened. The finished products were both sturdy and beautiful, decorated with geometric patterns that represented the spiritual connection they had with nature.
As time passed, the Arawak people faced many changes. Colonization and other forces caused their numbers to dwindle, and much of their culture faded into history. However, traces of their life and craftsmanship remained. In different parts of Aruba, pieces of ancient pottery were discovered buried in the earth, long forgotten but still carrying the spirit of the island’s first people.
These archaeological discoveries brought new life to the Arawaks’ legacy. Modern-day Arubans began to learn about the craftsmanship of their ancestors, and some artists even began to recreate the pottery styles of old. By doing so, they honored the Arawaks and ensured that the stories, traditions, and skills of the island’s first people would not be forgotten.
Through the ancient art of pottery, the spirit of Aruba’s indigenous people continues to live on, connecting the past with the present in a way that is both beautiful and enduring.