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our artisans

The Potters of Ponedera

Location

Located near the banks of the Magdalena River, Ponedera is a place where nature and craft are inseparable. The abundance of natural clay deposits in the region has long sustained local artisans, while the gentle pace of riverside life has influenced their work’s organic shapes and calm, tactile beauty. The connection between land, material, and maker remains at the heart of Puerto Alegre’s identity.

History

The story of Puerto Alegre’s pottery is one of continuity and care. For centuries, families have passed down ancestral techniques of hand-forming and firing clay, maintaining a deep respect for the material and its origins. The white clay ceramics made here evolved from everyday vessels into refined, decorative forms, preserving the essence of Colombian pottery while adapting to modern aesthetics.

Materials

The distinctive white clay of Puerto Alegre is locally mined and known for its purity, smooth texture, and soft ivory hue. Rich in minerals and naturally fine-grained, it requires little refinement before use — a testament to the land’s natural generosity. When fired, the clay achieves a delicate matte finish with subtle tonal variations that reveal the maker’s touch. Lightweight yet resilient, this clay gives Puerto Alegre ceramics their signature character: understated, timeless, and effortlessly elegant.

The Process

Each piece begins with clay gathered by hand and prepared through a slow, meticulous process. The artisans of Puerto Alegre work the clay using traditional hand-forming techniques, often without a potter’s wheel. Once shaped, the pieces are air-dried and fired in handmade kilns, giving them their signature pale hue and natural texture. The result is a ceramic that feels both contemporary and timeless — lightweight, luminous, and full of soul.

Puerto Alegre Today

Today, the potters of Puerto Alegre continue their craft with quiet pride, balancing tradition with innovation. Many families still work from small home workshops, passing on their knowledge to younger generations. Through collaborations with design initiatives and brands like CasaLatina, their work is reaching new audiences — helping preserve this ancient craft while bringing sustainable livelihoods to the community. Each piece tells their story: of place, perseverance, and the enduring beauty of handmade ceramics.