Preserving Heritage Through Craft: RCMC’s Rohingya Pottery Masterclass

Cox’s Bazar, 20 April 2025: Pottery has long been an integral part of Rohingya culture, serving both functional and artistic purposes. Traditionally, Rohingya artisans crafted earthenware for daily use, from cooking pots to water storage vessels, using locally sourced clay. However, with displacement and changing socio-cultural landscapes, many of these traditional practices face the risk of being forgotten. The Rohingya Pottery Masterclass at RCMC seeks to counter this loss by reviving and safeguarding the craft, ensuring it remains an enduring part of Rohingya cultural identity.  

Through this initiative, participants receive hands-on training in traditional pottery-making techniques, from clay preparation and hand-moulding to firing and finishing. Guided by experienced artisans, they learn the intricate process of shaping raw clay into functional and decorative pieces that reflect their heritage. Beyond the technical aspects, the masterclass encourages participants to explore their creativity, infusing their work with personal and cultural narratives. In doing so, they not only hone a valuable artisanal skill but also become custodians of their ancestral craft.  

The impact of the Rohingya Pottery Masterclass extends beyond artistic expression. It serves as a platform for intergenerational knowledge transfer, where older artisans share their wisdom with younger learners, fostering a sense of continuity and cultural pride. By preserving pottery traditions, RCMC contributes to the broader effort of safeguarding Rohingya cultural heritage, reinforcing the community’s resilience in the face of displacement.  

By integrating traditional craftsmanship with modern skill development, RCMC ensures that Rohingya pottery remains a living tradition. Through initiatives like this, RCMC keeps contributing to the overall mental health and psychosocial well-being of the community, fostering a sense of belonging, creativity, and emotional resilience.

In keeping with the Rohingya tradition, the creation of a pitcher involves distinct roles for male and female potters. The male potter is responsible for crafting the top half of the pitcher, while the female potter shapes the bottom half. Once both parts are completed, a skilled female potter carefully joins them together. With clearly defined responsibilities for both male and female potters, this division of labour ensures that each pitcher is a product of collaboration.

Currently, at RCMC’s Pottery Masterclass, 15 Rohingya female participants are actively learning traditional pottery-making techniques. The class aims to preserve this cultural skill by passing it down to the next generation, ensuring the continuity of Rohingya intangible cultural heritage. Participants have shared their enthusiasm for the hands-on learning experience, expressing a deep sense of connection to their heritage through the art of pottery:

1. Anowar Begum, Age: 26, Camp-18

I have attended seven pottery masterclasses where the trainer taught us how to make clay pots. I made six types of pots that we used to have in Myanmar. Creating these pottery items reminded me of my homeland, where I grew up and spent my life. Now, I want to learn more about pottery and teach others—this is my ambition. Thank you.

2. Maria, Age: 19, Camp-18