The Women of Sejnane

Exploring the Unique Art of Handmade Pottery in Rural Tunisia

In the village of Sejnen, nestled in northwestern Tunisia, three women master ancient ceramic-making techniques, a skill passed down for over 3,000 years. Married to three brothers, they live surrounded by their community, deeply connected to their land. Their expertise, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018, symbolizes a rich tradition maintained through generations. Despite the recognition, economic challenges persist, with sporadic sales offering meager earnings. Yet, the women persevere, determined to preserve their heritage and pass it on to future generations. The state's absence exacerbates their struggles, leaving them reliant on their craft for sustenance. Amidst adversity, they find resilience, embracing their destiny with gratitude and unwavering determination.

Sejnane, Tunisia. 2020.

Sejnane is located two hours from the Tunisia's capital. Three sisters in law live on the outskirts. - Paula González Gavilanes
Sejnane is located two hours from the Tunisia's capital. Three sisters in law live on the outskirts.
Zohra molds pieces in her workshop while chatting with her relatives. They take turns working in the workshop every day. - Paula González Gavilanes
Zohra molds pieces in her workshop while chatting with her relatives. They take turns working in the workshop every day.
The work in Sejnane ceramics is done by hand, one reason why it was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. - Paula González Gavilanes
The work in Sejnane ceramics is done by hand, one reason why it was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
They don't use pottery wheels to make the pieces, so they skillfully rotate the surfaces on which the pieces are placed. - Paula González Gavilanes
They don't use pottery wheels to make the pieces, so they skillfully rotate the surfaces on which the pieces are placed.
From the clay, dyes, to the shells for polishing, everything used is from the immediate environment. - Paula González Gavilanes
From the clay, dyes, to the shells for polishing, everything used is from the immediate environment.
They gather straw and dung from the barn. When mixed, these materials, when burned, serve as a kiln. - Paula González Gavilanes
They gather straw and dung from the barn. When mixed, these materials, when burned, serve as a kiln.
The process of making ceramics involves significant physical. In the photo, Najet hurriedly prepares the fire before it rains. - Paula González Gavilanes
The process of making ceramics involves significant physical. In the photo, Najet hurriedly prepares the fire before it rains.
The pieces take an hour to cook, then they are removed with irons and left to cool before painting. - Paula González Gavilanes
The pieces take an hour to cook, then they are removed with irons and left to cool before painting.
Moufida and Zohra take out the pieces that are ready. The clay changes color upon contact with the fire. - Paula González Gavilanes
Moufida and Zohra take out the pieces that are ready. The clay changes color upon contact with the fire.
The tools they use to decorate and shape the ceramics are simple: shoe soles, stones, shells, and a blade. - Paula González Gavilanes
The tools they use to decorate and shape the ceramics are simple: shoe soles, stones, shells, and a blade.
Mursolin holds herbs from a bush in the courtyard in her hand. This is where they get one of the dyes to paint the pieces. - Paula González Gavilanes
Mursolin holds herbs from a bush in the courtyard in her hand. This is where they get one of the dyes to paint the pieces.
The Women of Sejnane - Paula González Gavilanes
The Women of Sejnane - Paula González Gavilanes
Sejnane is located two hours from the Tunisia's capital. Three sisters in law live on the outskirts. - Paula González Gavilanes
Zohra molds pieces in her workshop while chatting with her relatives. They take turns working in the workshop every day. - Paula González Gavilanes
The work in Sejnane ceramics is done by hand, one reason why it was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. - Paula González Gavilanes
They don't use pottery wheels to make the pieces, so they skillfully rotate the surfaces on which the pieces are placed. - Paula González Gavilanes
From the clay, dyes, to the shells for polishing, everything used is from the immediate environment. - Paula González Gavilanes
They gather straw and dung from the barn. When mixed, these materials, when burned, serve as a kiln. - Paula González Gavilanes
The process of making ceramics involves significant physical. In the photo, Najet hurriedly prepares the fire before it rains. - Paula González Gavilanes
The pieces take an hour to cook, then they are removed with irons and left to cool before painting. - Paula González Gavilanes
Moufida and Zohra take out the pieces that are ready. The clay changes color upon contact with the fire. - Paula González Gavilanes
The tools they use to decorate and shape the ceramics are simple: shoe soles, stones, shells, and a blade. - Paula González Gavilanes
Mursolin holds herbs from a bush in the courtyard in her hand. This is where they get one of the dyes to paint the pieces. - Paula González Gavilanes
The Women of Sejnane - Paula González Gavilanes
The Women of Sejnane - Paula González Gavilanes
This article was published in El País, in Spanish. To read it CLICK HERE. - Paula González Gavilanes
This article was published in El País, in Spanish. To read it CLICK HERE.

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