MORE THAN 100-YEAR-OLD MAMBONG POTTERY STILL IN HIGH DEMAND

KUALA KRAI, June 23 (Bernama) -- The techniques used in the making of Mambong pottery make the products still in high demand, although the source and origin of this earthenware dated more than 100 years ago.

Mambong pottery is made using the pinch, squeeze, spiral and grafting techniques and what makes this clay product unique is its gold-like lustre.

The clay products originate from a village named Kampung Mambong, which is about 20 kilometres from Kuala Krai town. Visitors have to take a boat to get to this remote village to see the pottery-making process.

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Mambong pottery entrepreneur, Zainab Hussin, 72, said her pottery products are unique because they are hardened with heat to maintain their appearance and shape, as well as to ensure their durability and are waterproof.

"I learned the art of this craft from my father-in-law about 50 years ago and was taught the traditional techniques of making it and using river stones and bamboo for decoration.

"The price of the pottery varies from RM30 to RM100 a piece depending on the type and size. The price can reach up to RM400 if you buy five sets of different types of pottery," he said when met by Bernama at her mini workshop in Kampung Mambong, here recently.

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Another pottery entrepreneur, Halimah Said, 68, said handmade pottery is more attractive because it has its artistic value and quality.

"The clay used is taken from Kampung Bahagia which is about two kilometres from Kampung Mambong. I have tried using clay from other places, but the result is not good because it breaks easily and is of poor quality.

"Besides pottery, other items that use clay materials are teapots, jugs, cake steamers, pots and incense burners," she said.

Meanwhile, a tour guide at Stong Geopark Dabong, Kuala Krai and Jeli, Mohd Rafizi Abdullah said the traditional art of pottery making in Kampung Mambong should be preserved because of its aesthetic value.

 He said the authorities, especially the state government, need to improve facilities to and in the village, such as a proper jetty,  to make it easier for tourists to visit the area.

"The state government can also set up a craft centre near Kampung Mambong for the residents to sell products such as pottery, “mengkuang” mats and so on to generate income," he said.

-- BERNAMA