By Hanif Samon              

Dawn :  20th October 2015 

The family of late Mohammad Achar Kumbhar, one of the renowned potters of the country, and his relatives living in the Tando Bago town of Badin district have kept alive their centuries old tradition of making pots and selling them in various markets of the district and beyond, especially during the first ten days of Muharram.

Mohammad Achar and his craft, which was acknowledged by thousands, both within the country and outside, has left behind numerous apprentices, including his children and other relatives living in various parts of lower and eastern Sindh.

Potters, who belong to the Kumbhar tribe, were previously renowned for their love and attachment towards clay, which has provided them with livelihood for centuries, but are now quitting their centuries old art and finding other means to provide for their families.

Ghulam Mohammad, the younger son of Achar, trades in pottery rather than crafting it. He is of the opinion that “it is very hard for potters to survive economically these days.”

"Now most craftsmen prefer making toys and show pieces to attract customers," he added.

Hawa Kumbhar also told Dawn that not only men but many women from her community in Tando Bago are masters in crafting clay into beautiful objects.

She added that till a few decades ago, there used to be dozens of stalls selling clay pots and utensils, but in recent times, they have reduced to only a handful.

A local historian and an author of a book on Tando Bago’s history, Anwer Abbasi, told Dawn that the Kumbhars have been making clay pots and utensils since before 1786.

A potter in the initial phase of making a pot. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A view of the colourful pots on display. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A view of the unfinished pots. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A potter structuring a pot with the help of others. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A colourful clay structure on display for sale in the local market. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Pots used for carrying water. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Traditional clay pots. — Hanif Samoon

Local residents applying finishing touches. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Men and women in Tando Bago are expert at structuring clay into beautiful objects. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Various ornaments made of clay. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Various ornaments and pots. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Assorted pottery on sale. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A view of a stove where clay sculptures are baked. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A local market displaying traditional pots for sale. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Various colorful pots and toys on display at a local market. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Local potters working. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A local potter in the initial stages of moulding a pot. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

Incomplete pots. — Photo by Hanif Samoon

A local potter. — Photo by Hanif Samoon