Intangible cultural heritage in Ibi: ‘Botijo’ pottery workshop

The “botijo” (earthenware pitcher), a very typical Spanish piece of pottery, is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship with a rich history and a much appreciated practical function, especially in hot climates.

Intangible cultural heritage: The botijo is a reminder of the creativity and adaptability of our ancient civilisations in search of practical solutions to the conditions of their environment. Its manufacture has been handed down from generation to generation, and today, the last potters keep this tradition alive. The jug is not only a functional object, but also a symbol of history and culture.

The ceramic tradition of Alicante and Ibi

The ceramic tradition of the province of Alicante and, in particular, of Ibi, is rich and diverse, with roots dating back to Roman times. In Ibi, storage vessels, jars and jars with moulded lips, plates or pots decorated with circles and concentric circles, shapeless material with geometric decoration, and kitchen pottery represented by fragments of pots with a thickened protruding rim have been found. The ceramic tradition of Alicante and Ibi is a reflection of their rich history and culture and continues to be an integral part of their identity and tourist attraction.

Ceramic techniques in Alicante are diverse and have evolved over time, ranging from basic to advanced techniques of modelling, pottery wheel and decoration.