The Potters' Last Stand

The art of pottery has deep roots in the sub-continent's history, going back as far as the Mohenjo-daro and Harappa civilisations. Unfortunately, today the art form finds itself on its death throes in Bangladesh. As market demand has waned, people are  turning to cheaper substitutes -- plastic and melamine -- and potters are finding it hard to live off their trade. The historically important craft finds itself without patrons, a situation unimaginable when pottery was in its hey-days. There are other reasons for its decline, including transport cost and lack of innovation. And now, when the last of the potter's wheel stops spinning, hence will come to a close an important chapter of our history. The photos were taken from Sunamganj and Sylhet districts. 

Photo: Sheikh Nasir