gerabah

Gerabah is a term in Indonesian for traditional pottery made from clay, producing earthenware vessels and objects. It is typically handmade, though some potters use a simple wheel. The wares are usually fired in wood- or dung-fired kilns at relatively low to mid-range temperatures, resulting in porous, rustic pottery that is often unglazed or coated with simple slip or glaze.

Pottery is created using hand-building methods such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. Forms include pots, jars, bowls, water containers, and decorative objects. Surfaces are decorated by incising, combing, stamping, or applying slips before firing. Some pieces may be burnished by a smooth stone.

Clay is sourced locally from riverbanks or clay beds; tempering materials may be added. After shaping, the pottery is dried slowly to leather-hard and then fired in a kiln—often a simple, traditional wood-fired kiln, sometimes in a clay or clay-and-earth trench. Firing temperatures vary but are typically lower than modern stoneware, producing durable but porous ware unless glazed.

Gerabah has deep roots in many Indonesian communities, where pottery-making is a family craft passed down through generations. It yields everyday household items and ceremonial pieces, supports rural livelihoods, and can be part of cultural tourism. Some centers preserve traditional methods while others experiment with new forms and decorative motifs.

Today, gerabah production faces challenges from industrial ceramics, mass production, and urban migration, yet it remains an important part of Indonesia’s tangible heritage. Initiatives often focus on training, market access, and sustainable kilns.