cirebon natural tourism Sitiwinangun pottery is one of the creative businesses in Cirebon, and is an ancestral heritage. Unfortunately, it has diminished over time. In fact, the business is run over 90 percent by the elderly instead of the youth.
History
The history of pottery in Cirebon is believed to begin during the Cirebon Sultanate in the 15th century. This pottery craft center is located in Sitiwinangun village, Jamblang sub-district, about 15 kilometers to the west of Cirebon City center. Sheikh Dinureja, a Muslim scholar whose real name was Ki Mas Ratna Gumilang, spread Islam and introduced pottery-making skills in Sitiwinangun land, which was originally named Padukuhan Kebagusan. He played a role in improving the standard of living of Sitiwinangun villagers. The name Sitiwinangun itself has a meaning that is closely related to the pottery craft. The word Sitiwinangun consists of the words ‘siti’ which means land, and ‘winangun’ which means built. Remembering that pottery is clay that is built or shaped.
Process of Creating
The raw material used to make pottery is clay from rice fields in the surrounding villages. The clay needs to be smoothed first before it can be shaped. There are two ways, namely manually by trampling, or grinding with a machine.
After being shaped in such a way using techniques according to requirements (rotary technique, direct building technique, and molding technique), the raw pottery needs to be dried for at least two weeks before it can be fired.
There are two types of combustion processes, open combustion systems and closed combustion systems. The two are not specifically differentiated, citizens are free in this regard. However, craftsmen who make household products mostly use an open firing system, while craftsmen who make pottery for decoration mostly use a closed firing system.
The functions and their variations
Marketing
Pottery sales are carried out through craft shops or showrooms, as well as online via e-commerce and social media. With prices ranging from IDR 2000 to millions, depending on the shape and size.
As time went by, pottery crafts in Sitiwinangun village experienced a decline, this happened because many plastic household utensils began to appear to replace pottery. And the workforce is increasingly decreasing due to the absence of generations to continue the business and ancestral heritage.
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Written by Sinta D.
