Published by: Gourmet Sleuth Last Updated: 05/15/2017
The village of Guatajiagua is located about 180 km from San Salvador. The village name translates to "valley where tobacco is cultivated". Tobacco is not however their main source of income but in fact the black clay pottery that is bathed in the nacascolo (a dye made from tobacco). The woman craft the pots while the men in the village gather the wood and fire the pottery.
The pots are low-fired which means unlike commercially fired pottery they are fired at much lower temperatures.
This is a simple drinking cup from Guatajiagua. These are items that one would put to everyday use.
A simple drinking cup from Guatajiagua. The pieces made are items you would use everyday.
these beautiful spoons are used to as strainers, we like to use them for spooning beans from the bean pot.
When we sold these bowls we suggested they be used as either soup or salad bowls. They also worked well as simple decorative pieces.
These beautiful cazuelas were great for simmering casseroles or making mole.
Fondue or BBQ, 2 piece unit with stand and long handle pot. BBQ unit is 5 1/2" wide x 5 3/4" high. Pot is 5- 6" in diameter and 1-2" deep. Capacity 3/4 to 2 cups. Hand made in El Salvador. This pot would be used for small or individual portions.
A beautifully shaped tea Pot 9 -10" high. Made in El Salvador. Hand made in El Salvador. Use for heating water.
Comales are large clay "platters" used typically to heat tortillas. This comal is approximately 14 1/2 - 15" in diameter. They came in many sizes and could be used as plates or chargers as well as for heating tortillas.