কার্তিকপুর মৃৎশিল্প: মাটির ঘ্রাণে গড়ে উঠা গ্রামীণ ঐতিহ্য

Kartikpur Pottery: A Rural Tradition Shaped by Clay

In Kartikpur village of Shariatpur, Bangladesh, there is a strong smell of red clay in the air.
This village is known for its long tradition of pottery. For many generations, artists from the Pal and Kumar communities have made clay items by hand. They create pots, jars, flower tubs, terracotta dolls, and many daily use products.

Today, a few workshops in the village produce nearly three thousand types of items. These include terracotta shades, candle stands, coin boxes, wall pots, and other home decoration pieces. Hundreds of people from nearby villages also work in these workshops. NGOs and different brands buy these products and sell them in Dhaka, across Bangladesh, and even in other countries.

But the artists still face problems. Because of limited modern technology and lack of new ideas, they often do not receive fair prices for their work. Even then, they continue this craft for their family, culture, and tradition. Young potters shape clay with simple tools, while older craftsmen teach children how to make tiles and pottery. Rows of drying pots in village yards show that this craft is not only for money. It is a part of their life.

When I return after taking photos of the clay, the people, and their smiling faces, I feel something deep inside. If this tradition disappears, we will all lose a piece of our heritage. Anyone who wants to see the true rural beauty and culture of Bangladesh will be touched by the pottery of Kartikpur.