Making jars is not as easy as a piece of cake. It requires skill and physical effort. But it is worth to note that, as the hand of the jar maker touches the clay, the passion and love is there.
According to Vigan.ph, the industry that has grown from the making of burnay dates back to pre-colonial times when immigrants from China came to settle in Vigan. They practiced the craft of making earthenware using the grade A clay that was found in plenty in the Western area of Vigan. The making of burnay is done with just the use of the potter’s skillful hands and use of pottery wheel and kiln.
The main material used in jar making is of course the clay. In Vigan, most of the clay that is being used is from Ayusan Sur, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
There are various things to be done before making a jar such as extracting the clay from the earth.
Hand tools such as the shovels and the crowbars are of great help for the jar maker. Once the clay is extracted, it is then moved to the factory for jars.
After that, the clay is first being inspected because in order for it to be qualified to be used in making jars, it must have meet the essential qualities.
Before using, it must be carefully prepared through the use of wedging. The clay is mixed with sand and water. Carabao is of great help to mixed it well.
Then, the clay must be covered by a moist cloth. In other scenarios, they are using plastic or sacks to cover it. The reason is to retain its moisture and, of course, to prevent it from drying quickly.
And the most exciting part is when the jar maker molds now the clay. It is being molded to form jars in different styles and sizes.
Personally, I have tried it once but the only difference is that I make pots (masitera) because it is easier to make.
In molding the jar, the base is first fashioned. Then it will be followed by fashioning the head. After it, you can now design the jar. Once the jars are decorated, they are being set aside in order for it to be hardened and dried up.
Once there are at least half a thousand jars, they are now ready to be baked. Yes, you heard it right, clay jars are being baked too.
In baking, it typically requires sufficient area. It requires 200 cubic meters of firewood in every firing. After baking, the jars are set aside in order for them to cool down. That needs additional one day before the jars can be ready to be sold.
Sir Fidel Go is the most famous potter in town. You can visit his jar factory at Barangay Pagburnayan, Vigan City. And try it, yourself, to make a jar!
Just to let you know, burnay means jar.
So, if you are planning to visit Vigan City in the future, write it down in your bucket list! It is a one of a kind art, and worth trying! You will not enjoy, you will also learn to appreciate the beauty of this products.
Photos are not mine. Credits belong the respective owners.
That is all for this topic. I hope you enjoyed learning and reading how to make clay jars!
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