HANDCRAFTED CLAY AND CERAMIC WORK

The most characteristic object of this type of craftwork in Majorca is without doubt the "siurell", a small figure shaped by hand, painted white and decorated with small coloured brushstrokes. The siurell has a whistle as part of the base of the figure, which can be of various forms. Its origin is not clear, though some researchers consider it to be a descendant of the Minoan clay figures of ancient Crete.

Cooking pots, "greixoneres" (earthenware cooking vessels), earthenware plates, pitxers (wine jugs) are some of the most typical products of the workshops, known as "oyereis" where the clay was shaped and which are mainly located in the municipality of Marratxi: in Pòrtol and Sa Cabaneta, although its origins are said to lie in Santa Eugenia.

Ceramic craftwork is especially common in Marratxí

The output of these workshops is very varied and over recent years they have added plant pots, candelabra, coffee sets, window boxes etc. to their range of more traditional products. To appreciate this particular craft fully it is necessary to pay a visit to sa Fira de Fang de Marratxí (The Marratxí Clay Fair) which is held at the end of February or beginning of March every year. It is also interesting to see the great deposits of red earth, which can be easily observed on one's way out of Portòl, and so understand how it is that this type of craftwork has taken such a hold in the whole of the Marratxí area. A trip to the Museu des Fang (Clay Museum) is also recommended. This is at 4, Carrer del Molí in Sa Cabaneta. (Opening hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30 am to 1 pm).

As well as Pòrtol and Sa Cabaneta, there are other villages in Majorca that boast potteries and artisans of clay and ceramic ware. This is certainly the case in Alaró, Consell, Felanitx and Pollença. "Gerretes", as their highly adorned jugs are known, are typical of Felanitx.