Vislach, an ancient centre in the Grodno Region of Belarus, first mentioned in 1256, situated near the Polish border and the massive Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park, known for its preserved 19th century architecture, historical Tyszkiewicz manor park, a former synagogue, and the annual Gamonjac’s puschy belaruskija ecological festival, is reviving its traditional black - fired pottery production, a craft nearly lost over the past two decades.
This activity in Svislachhas the aim to preserve the local cultural heritage, as artisans produce the first pieces of pottery with historical techniques and with a focus on training new people, incorporating traditional methods, including smoking techniques and birch bark decorations to create functional and decorative items, which are being showcased at national festivals to engage new audience.
The first experimental batch of ceramic products, including jugs, pots and vases, has been made using the historical technique of glossy black ceramics, also known as smoke ceramics.
This ancient organic pottery is a technique where unglazed, often burnished, clay is fired at low temperatures in a scaled container with combustible materials like sawdust, leaves, birch bark strips or seaweed. The process forces carbon into the clay, creating unique, unpredictable black, grey, and brown markings on the surface.
Black pottery has been known since the Middle Ages in Belarus and was widely practiced in various regions. In the Svislach area, especially in the settlement of Porozovo, this handicraft was traditionally passed down from generation to generation within families, and this recovery undoubtedly represents an important milestone in the preservation of local cultural heritage.
Efforts to revive craftmanship have been going on for some years. At the end of 2025, a specialized two - chamber kiln was installed at the loical folk art and culture centre, allowing artisans to recreate the ceramics’ signature black glow.
Along with the technical recovery, local cultural institutions have launched a broader initiative aimed at promoting traditional ceramics and attracting new audiences.
The project includes workshops for children and adults, practical seminars on ceramics, exhibitions showcasing the work of contemporary artisans and is also expected to be featured at regional and national festivals, as well as in competitions,
Link
https://tvbrics.com/es/news/bielorrusia-revive-la-cer-mica-tradicional-negra-tras-dos-d-cadas/
