CAMAGÜEY.- There are works that tend to bridge the past and constitute an emblem of our culture, such as the Tinajón (large earthenware jar).

In Cuba, the aboriginal agro-potters were pioneers in the transformation of the clay, in the elaboration of plates, vessels and the burén to prepare the casabe (cassava bread). Then the colonizers, along with the pain of the conquest, introduced the method to make the well-known container of wide sides and narrow mouth, coming from the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula.

According to the research Alfarería Catalana del Camagüey (Catalan pottery of Camagüey), of the plastic artist Nazario Salazar Martínez, on March 13, 1516 landed at the once Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe the first peninsular potter, aboard the Osado caravel. "And it is significant that, after only two years, there were several mestres ollers —, a Catalan term to appoint the manufacturer of containers — (...)."

Over time, these makers began to expand their knowledge to slaves, creoles, freed blacks ... who inherited guidelines for the creation strengthened in the twentieth century by the Catalan roots. In the present Horca Street resided then what was a sort of industry-school where they "cooked" the best influences of the first ceramists.

The office of the Tinajón maker needs dexterity. The process begins with the mixture of clays; then the mud is whisked, strained, dried and put, later, to macerate a large portion. When it is ready, it is kneaded without pause, and a bamboo cane is used, with a fine wire bent at the tip to lower the inside of the tank while turning. "The burning is done by eye and the figures are ready when they look red-hot, red-white or transparent red," says Nazario Salazar in his article.

The Tinajón is an essential element to provide water for homes and ornaments in patios and public spaces. By the arteries of Camagüey, the water carrier walked one day, singular character who was accompanied by a mule laden with jars. And his speech sneak into the houses: "Three kilos the bucket, five pennies the jar ... water... holy remedy...".

At that same time, it adds to the charismatic image of the seller another sadder: that of the vending of small tinajones. They were usually very poor people who sat on the edge of the sidewalks, with an undervalued merchandise, gathering the money needed to feed their family.

After the feat of ' 59 began a new phase for Cuban potters. In the case of Camagüey it was promoted the rescue of the traditions and the work of the ceramists gained greater strength.

The action of turning a tinajón means, rather than a craft to make a living, the summit of a trade, a cultural expression of our land.

Translated by Linet Acuña Quilez