Pottery-making has been a part of the culture since pre-Columbian times. Traditionally, it was the role of women in a community to hand build utilitarian pottery pieces for storing water and use in cooking. Today several of the groups that we work with are small womens' cooperatives that have modified these designs and incorporated modern techniques to reach a larger market. In addition, with the introduction of the wheel, men have entered this field as a way to supplement their agricultural work.

Vladimir Norori, a potter from San Juan de Oriente in Nicaragua.

This small community of farmers began experimenting with the wheel several decades ago. Over the last 30 years, the pottery of this community has passed through several phases and has evolved into something quite eclectic. In the last decade many of the potter from this community have received worldwide recognition for their work. The pieces are inspired by traditional pre-Columbian designs, as well as, outside influences from the array of international potters that have participated in Potters for Peace exchanges. The potters use mineral oxides, mainly chrome, cobalt, and iron to color the vases. They fire them at low temperatures in brick kilns. Most the artisans in this village work in small family groups.