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Sejnane Pottery: A Mediterranean Craft Gaining Global Recognition

Tunis: The Chinese daily Global Times showcased, in a report published on April 24, 2026, Sejnane pottery as one of the most authentic and singular artisanal skills in the Mediterranean basin, presenting this ancestral female heritage from northern Tunisia as an exceptional cultural product flourishing on European markets. According to Agence Tunis Afrique Presse, the newspaper highlights that this Berber pottery, crafted entirely by hand using techniques dating back more than two millennia, is becoming increasingly popular on the international stage, to the extent that some pieces see their price increase tenfold once exported to Europe. Global Times emphasises the rare, natural and deeply distinctive nature of this craft, which it presents as the living expression of a preserved heritage and a way of life passed down from generation to generation. The report particularly highlights the central role of the women of Sejnane, the sole custodians of this craft, which has been listed as UNESCO Intangible Cult ural Heritage since 2018. In the region's villages, the newspaper recalls, pottery-making remains almost exclusively in the hands of Berber women, who pass on the techniques, shapes and symbols orally from mother to daughter, thus perpetuating a heritage dating back more than 2,000 years. In a feature extolling the artisanal and eco-friendly nature of this tradition, the Global Times details a production process that has remained unchanged over the centuries: no potter's wheel, no moulds and no chemical additives. The clay, extracted from dry riverbeds or alluvial deposits and sometimes transported by donkey, is mixed with powder from crushed ancient pottery to reinforce its strength. Each piece is then shaped by hand, polished using shells or pebbles, and sometimes coated with a natural resin to ensure water resistance and a glossy finish. The newspaper also emphasises the aesthetic richness of these creations, whose red, green, white and black colours are derived from natural pigments of plant and mine ral origin. The iconic black colour of Sejnane pottery is produced by smoking during an open-air firing process, carried out for nearly 24 hours using dried dung, hay and twigs, according to a body of empirical knowledge finely mastered by the craftswomen. According to Global Times, the geometric and animal motifs (triangles, broken lines, latticework, birds, fish and snakes) are one of the most distinctive features of this craft. The newspaper sees in them a visual language rich in symbols, conveying a deep connection with nature, ancient beliefs and Berber heritage. Jars, dishes, grain containers and decorative figurines are thus presented as objects that are at once useful, aesthetic and imbued with deep cultural significance. By stressing the international recognition this tradition now enjoys, the Global Times presents Sejnane pottery as a successful example of promoting local heritage on global markets. Whilst the pieces remain available in the village's souks, their high demand in Europe, accordi ng to the newspaper, reflects a growing interest in authentic, long-lasting objects steeped in history. This media spotlight helps boost the appeal of Sejnane pottery and opens up important economic opportunities for the region's rural communities. However, it raises major issues regarding fair remuneration for craftswomen, the preservation of traditional production methods, and the protection of this craft's integrity in the face of growing demand. Set against a Mediterranean landscape of olive trees and cork oaks, Sejnane pottery thus continues to embody a living heritage whose reputation now extends far beyond Tunisia's borders. Through its particularly glowing coverage, the Global Times helps portray this craft as one of the most authentic, refined and promising facets of traditional Tunisian creativity.