Greek potter preserves ancient craft, wins UNESCO recognition

·

In his seaside workshop on the Greek island of Lesvos, Dimitris Kouvdis preserves ancient pottery-making traditions, earning a place in UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

According to an article by Elias Marcou in ekathimerini.com, Kouvdis, 70, works near Mandamados, a historic pottery hub where traditional methods are disappearing due to industrialization. His family continues to craft pottery using clay from local soil, firing pieces in a traditional kiln fueled by olive pits, and painting them with natural lime.

“It’s an honoUr for me,” Kouvdis said about the UNESCO recognition of his work.

He highlights the challenges facing traditional potters, noting that mechanized presses work ten times faster, making it difficult for artisanal methods to survive. “There’s no continuity. There’s no space for (our) method to continue,” he lamented.

Despite the challenges, Kouvdis remains dedicated to his craft, creating individual pieces in his workshop overlooking the Aegean Sea.

“Above all, it’s a passion – trying to create something that fulfils you,” he said.

Source: ekathimerini.com

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Young filmmakers shine at inaugural Greek Film Festival of Sydney competition

The next generation of Greek Australian storytellers took centre stage as the 1st Greek Australian Youth Filmmaking Competition debuted.

Eugenia Mitrakas wins Australasian Lawyer Elite Women 2025 award

Eugenia Mitrakas, principal of EMR Mitrakas, has been recognised as a winner of the prestigious Australasian Lawyer Elite Women 2025 award.

Ten years of kefi: Oakleigh Glendi 2025 promises biggest celebration yet

The much-loved Oakleigh Glendi Festival returns to Warrawee Park on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025.

Leadership change at The Hellenic Initiative Australia as Nicholas Pappas AM steps down

Nicholas Pappas AM steps down after 12 years as President of The Hellenic Initiative Australia. Read more here.

Pharos, Loverdos and Greek delegation unite to secure the future of Greek in Australia

A meeting with Pharos Alliance representatives was top of mind for Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos on Friday.

You May Also Like

Oakleigh Grammar opens new N P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence

Melbourne’s Oakleigh Grammar officially opened its N P Nikolakakis Centre for Academic Excellence on Sunday, May 7.

Dr Melissa Afentoulis’ road to retirement turned pathway for PhD at Melbourne uni

Melissa Afentoulis was contemplating retirement, however, decided to embark on a PhD in Arts at the University of Melbourne instead.

A year in review: Perks and quirks of living with yiayia

Marianna Alepidis has shared her year in review after moving into her Yiayia's house with her partner one year ago.