KLIPOH HAMLET

Address: Desa Karanganyar, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

GPS Coordinate: S7°36'17" E110°12'16.6" (view map)

Pottery artifacts that are often found around temples and sites of ancient civilization indicate that the expertise to make pottery has existed since the ancient times. Let’s peek pottery making for generations in Klipoh Hamlet that is not far from Borob

KLIPOH HAMLET
Peeking the Pottery Making Near Borobudur Temple

Pottery of household appliances made of clay has been known since ancient times. It was proved by the discovery of various artifacts in the form of good pottery that has a function value or just purely decorative. According to archaelogical values, the skills to make pottery in Nusantara began to be known at the time of planting. Planting cycle that provided spare time gave opportunity for farmers to make pottery. This expertise was then passed down from generation to generation to the next generation.

So, it also happened in Klipoh Hamlet located about 4 km from Borobudur Temple complex. Sprawling paddy fields that surround the hamlet became a major source of living for Klipoh people. Besides farming, some of them worked as pottery craftsmen. Variety of household appliances such as frying pan, pan, mortar, pitcher, bowl, jar, until senthir (lantern) was produced by them. Those goods were not only marketed in the region of Borobudur, but also have been penetrated up to Lampung and Jambi.

Anyone who visits Klipoh can see the process of pottery making in traditional way. They even can learn to make pottery under the assistance of craftsmen who are friendly and patient. At glance, making pottery looks easy, just spinning perbot (traditional spinner) and forming kwangsu (clay used as a raw material of pottery making) in accordance to the desired shape. But when YogYES directly practiced it, it turned out not as easy as it looks, concentration and accuracy as well as the similarities in rotating motion of perbot and forming the kwangsu are required.

After making pottery, YogYES entered the living room that used as a showroom. Variety of pottery lined up on the top wooden shelf, ranging from thousands to hundred of thousand in prices. YogYES bought a unique elephant shaped lantern for IDR 5,000. Visiting the pottery making centre in Klipoh Hamlet was really a fun trip. Not only to have fun, but also to gain valuable experience and knowledge.

Information:
Klipoh Hamlet can be reached using a rented bicycle or horse cart which is often found in the market and Borobudur Bus Station. Bicycle rental rate is Rp. 20,000/12 hours. While horse cart is IDR 75,000 for one trip with the route: Klipoh Hamlet - Tanjungsari Hamlet - Jowahan Hamlet - Wanurejo Hamlet.