Description of the attraction
On the southern side of the island of Djerba in Tunisia, there is a very unusual place - the village of Gellala. Its name is translated from the Djerba dialect as "pot" for a reason - this place has been famous for its pottery since ancient times. This is the only place on Djerba where all residents communicate with each other in the Berber language.
Local potters have a special technology for making pottery, which was previously kept secret - clay for future products is dipped in salt water and kept there for a certain time, or simply mixed with sea water. After mixing, the clay dries for several days. The finished product is sent to dry for one and a half to two months. And finally, the dried dishes are fired in ovens half-buried in the ground for four days. Moreover, now, like many centuries ago, white clay is mined at a depth of 80 meters.
There are just over 450 pottery workshops in the village of Gellala! Therefore, it is not surprising that this village has been the main supplier of pottery and other earthenware throughout Tunisia for many centuries. Due to its high quality, until the end of the 19th century, the beys accepted the products of this village instead of a significant part of the taxes. The most popular and famous form that made the craftsmen of this region famous is the amphora. In addition to this traditional vessel in the village of Gellala, potters make cups, large jugs, bowls, dishes, small vessels for storing spices, incense, vinegar and oil.
There is an ethnographic museum on the territory of the village, which will certainly be interesting for anyone to visit. Here you can learn about the life of the local people - Dzherbins. The exhibition features ceramics, examples of traditional clothing and elaborate jewelry.
