Sweet TnT Magazine Trinidad and Tobago Culture
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Makh’s Pottery Shop operates as a central pillar of traditional craftsmanship in Edinburgh Village, Chaguanas, preserving an ancestral lineage of clay artistry brought to Trinidad by Indian indentured labourers. This specialist establishment serves the religious and functional needs of the local community by producing high-quality deeyas, incense holders, and bespoke clay items.
The transition from manual stone wheels to modern electric equipment highlights the evolution of the craft without compromising the authentic techniques passed through the Ticklal family. By exploring the meticulous process of clay preparation, moulding, and sun-drying, this account provides insight into a vital cultural enterprise.
Readers will discover the significance of the “home of deeyas” and the enduring impact of generational skills on the contemporary creative landscape of Trinidad and Tobago.
Key Takeaways
- The Ticklal family has maintained traditional pottery techniques across multiple generations in Trinidad.
- Makh Ticklal sources local clay from his own land in Carsen Fields for production.
- The transition to electric wheels has increased efficiency while preserving artisanal hand-moulding methods.
- Sun-drying remains the preferred method for curing pottery despite the availability of exterior ovens.
- The shop functions as a cultural hub for religious items and educational school projects.
From deeyas for Divali to Ticklal family’s business
Upon entering Makh’s Pottery Shop at #3 Ghany Street, Edinburgh in Chaguanas, there were hundreds of deeyas bathing in the heat of the sun in the family’s front yard. These revealed the earthiness and nature of his work. But, the couple hundreds drying at the front is nothing compared to what’s inside.
The pottery making process
He says work became slightly easier when a handle was devised for the potter’s wheel allowing one person to handle it. Now, an electric motor has been connected to operate the wheel by the flick of a switch. This allows Makh more time to focus on the art itself. He moulds the pottery in his palms on the spinning wheel, dips his fingers in water, and pastes it tenderly on the mould to ensure perfect formation.
Drying the deeyas and other items
Whilst observing a well-detailed hut made entirely out of clay, a man enters zealously with a request. His daughter has a school assignment to make a chulha (dirt oven). Makh contemplatively and scientifically informs the man of the amount of clay he needs and the process of making and drying the chulha – advice that a university graduate may not be able to give.
Ticklal legacy lives on in the pottery shop
Makh has faint memories of his Aja and Ajee (respectively grandfather and grandmother from his father’s side) who would have come to Trinidad in search of a better life as indentured labourers like many others. Though Makh’s memory of them is nothing but a sweet, distant dream laid to rest – their legacy lives on in the pottery shop.
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The shop has been dubbed “de home of deeyas” and patrons continue to flock to get some of the best quality deeyas and pottery. Makh may be contacted at 671-3722 or 396-5049. You really can get anything you want out of clay at Makh’s!
August 2017 www.sweettntmagazine.com
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