Sifnos Pottery

Sifnos has been synonymous with the art of pottery since ancient times. The earliest samples of pottery in Sifnos date back to the early Cycladic period. Contributing to the development of this art was the abundance of schist rocks throughout the island that were used to produce refractory clay. At the same time, the constant sunny weather expedited the dying process and the many trees scattered around Sifnos were used as kindling for the wood-fired kilns. As the centuries passed, pottery-making on the island continued to evolve, and is still widely practiced today.

Initially, pottery workshops, also called tsikaladia, were set up near Artemonas and Ano Petali, places hidden from the sea to protect them from pirate invasions. After these threats disappeared and the Greek State was established, the workshops were transferred to the coastal areas, especially those protected from the strong northern winds. At the peak of the pottery industry, the crafting process required the participation of multiple workers. There was the kladas, who gathered wood for the kiln, the homatas, who gathered clay, the moularas, who transported the clay by mule, the kopanisits, who prepared the clay and the master potter with his assistant.

By the 18th century, many potters from Sifnos moved to other parts of Greece to sell their works and settle there. Their most common destinations were the other Cycladic Islands, as well as various areas of Attica on the mainland. Of note is the area of Maroussi in Athens, where there is a colony of Sifnos potters to this day. The ceramics they created ranged from those made for domestic use, including utensils like plates, cups, pitchers, glasses, and water jars to special cooking vessels and purely artistic pieces.

Today, centuries after the art of pottery began in Sifnos, it is still a major source of revenue for the island. Both traditional and more modernized workshops can be found throughout the island, contributing to the maintenance of this historic tradition. There, visitors can purchase items handmade by local artists and partake in introductory pottery-making classes, which will take them through all the stages of production. What is more, the Sifnos Pottery Association has held numerous exhibitions since its inception in 2001, showcasing the artistic creations of its members.