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
