Majuli river-island in the heart of the Brahmaputra river in Assam, North East India. Majuli ancient art of pottery is as old as used in ancient time at Mohanjo-daro and Harappa. It is not in practice anywhere in India but only here. Majuli artisans still keep centuries old barter trade alive and persevere the oldest craft on the earth-handmade pottery. Traditional pottery has two methods – handmade and the potter’s wheel. People of Majuli still practice handmade pottery.
Pottery here is a hereditary profession. It is practiced by the successive generations of the community members, irrespective of their castes. Potters are dependent on the river Brahmaputra as it provides clay required for making pots, the women shape the pots by putting the layers of clay and beating softly with wooden bat and raising the desired size with fingers and palm.
Despite various challenges this ancient craft is still considered as an important income generating cottage industry of the river island. Brahmaputra river eats away huge swathes of land year after year and the clay that these potters use is being taken away by the river. Brahmaputra is also the prime means of transportation for trade of the pots.
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