Pottery in Cyprus
Pottery in Cyprus ages back to the Neolithic period. It was first documented in Cyprus in the 9th-8th centuries BC. The first signs of ancient pottery of Cyprus, were found in the trading markets in Europe in the 14th century AD. As the tradition developed, the clay jars started to evolve, and bits and parts were corresponding to other Mediterranean clay cultures.
Cyprus has a very good geographical location, the island is situated in the crossroad of three continents Africa, Asia and Europe. This both enriched the islands society and contributed to the arrival of a variety of cultures, ensuring that in ancient times the island was a central hub of trade. The island had formed connections with Minoan Crete (2700-1400 BC), Mycenaean (or Achaean) Greece (16-11th century BC) and ancient civilizations in the Middle East as early as 2500-1900 BC and mid-Bronze Age (1900-1600 BC).
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​Historically, Kyrenia was renowned for its ceramics, and was famous for its highly professional methods of production. Famagusta (Varosha) has the Island's finest artists in ceramics. Workshops in the Kyrenia region produced mostly glazed pottery and kitchen utensils for everyday use alongside decorative high-quality pieces. Manufacturing took place in informal factories and it was a family affair. Most of the ceramics they created were hand-decorated, glazed and fired at low temperatures (920-980C). They also produced exquisite terracotta vases and jugs in varying shapes and sizes.
Famagusta’s famous Varosha was known for its ceramic water vessels. The local pottery, called “Varoshotikis”, was also produced to be exported to nearby countries. The primary ingredient used was a smooth yellowish clay (with a high iron and potassium content). In Varosha, pottery was produced mainly by people who worked for dynasties. Ceramics from this field also include anthropomorphic decoration in the form of snakes and creatures, with elevated decorations created from colored clay. Years passed, the popular anthropomorphic shapes of vases stayed the same (made in the shape of female figure) with raised decoration, called “Koukoumara”.
These days, the pottery tradition continues to prevail in the villages of Kornos (Larnaca region) and Phini (Limassol region) and the industry there is an entirely female operation.
Kornos and Fini are villages that are well-known for their ceramic products made from red clay (with iron oxide and silicon dioxide).
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​To conclude with, Cyprus has a extensive pottery tradition, which with time became a fundamental element of the island’s culture. Clay products are still being sold in the villages, making the whole island fun and interesting to visit. This way, they keep the agro tourism active.
