About Pottery Villages
Lombok's pottery villages are living museums of ceramic artistry, where the ancient craft of clay pottery has been perfected over centuries. The island's most renowned centers - Banyumulek, Penujak, and Masbagik - each preserve unique styles dating back to the 16th century, when the Sasak people developed distinct hand-forming techniques without potter's wheels. These methods have been passed down through generations, reflecting the island's deep connection to its land and traditions.
Banyumulek
Known for black terracotta with carved nature motifs, using a unique smoke-firing technique with rice husks
Penujak
Specializes in functional red clay pottery fired in traditional wood-burning kilns
Masbagik
Produces rare glazed pottery with Balinese influences in earthy mineral colors
The traditional process begins with artisans hand-shaping local clay using the pinch-pot or coil method, smoothing surfaces with bamboo tools. After sun-drying, pieces are either:
- Carved with intricate Sasak symbols representing nature and spirituality
- Fired in wood-burning kilns or smoke-pits for distinctive coloring
- Glazed using natural minerals (in Masbagik's unique style)
Visiting these villages offers more than shopping - it's an immersion into Lombok's cultural heritage. You can:
- Watch master potters create symmetrical pieces entirely by hand
- Learn about spiritual significance of designs like the ceremonial 'kendi' water vessel
- Purchase directly from artisans, supporting preservation of this UNESCO-recognized craft
Pottery Making Process
- 1 Clay Preparation - Local clay is collected, cleaned, and kneaded to the right consistency
- 2 Shaping - Artisans hand-shape the clay using traditional techniques without wheels
- 3 Drying - Pieces are air-dried for several days before firing
- 4 Firing - Pottery is baked in traditional wood-fired kilns at high temperatures
- 5 Finishing - Some pieces are painted or polished after firing
Experience & Activities
Pottery Demonstrations
Watch master potters demonstrate traditional techniques for shaping clay without using wheels.
Try Pottery Making
Get hands-on experience trying basic pottery techniques under artisan guidance.
Souvenir Shopping
Purchase unique handmade pottery directly from the artisans at reasonable prices.
Kiln Viewing
See the traditional wood-fired kilns used for baking the pottery at high temperatures.
Visitor Information
Hours & Best Time to Visit
- Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Best visited in the morning when artisans are most active (9-11 AM)
- Allow 1-2 hours for your visit
Location & Transportation
- Main pottery villages: Banyumulek (West Lombok), Penujak (Central Lombok), Masbagik (East Lombok)
- Banyumulek is about 30 minutes from Mataram or Senggigi
- Accessible by car or scooter, with parking available
- Often combined with visits to Sukarara weaving village or other cultural sites
Quick Facts
Locations
Banyumulek, Penujak, Masbagik
Type
Cultural Village / Handicrafts
Best For
Cultural experiences, traditional crafts, shopping
Recommended Duration
1-2 hours per village
Entrance Fee
Small donation appreciated (Rp 10,000-20,000)
Pottery Workshop
Try basic techniques for Rp 50,000-100,000
Tour Packages
Pottery villages are popular stops on cultural tours of Lombok. Consider our recommended packages:
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