Sosopan Giraun - traditional pottery
The Malasang potters of Buka Island trade their pots throughout North Bougainville, Buka and offshore islands, while the Pabaire potters of Nasioi trade their wares throughout Central Bougainville. For strength and elasticity, both traditions use clay mixtures dug from rich alluvial mountainside deposits. Both styles use paddle and stone methods of construction. The Nasioi beat out rough slabs of clay and stand over their pots to shape the bowl, neck and wide rim. Malasang women sit with legs extended and feet crossed and begin with a pinch pot that opens out on their crossed legs into long, elegant cone shapes.
When I was about five years old I walked with my mum along the inland track from Tanamalo Village on the north coast of Buka to Hanahan (the bartering village) in Halia. My mum traded her smoked fish and kekeono (cooked galip and banana pudding) for five cooking pots from Malasang. The return journey of two days was a memorable one as we had to hurry past certain unsafe villages in daylight but we found rest and hospitality amongst friends in others.
Moses Matamana Havini
From left to right: Tabeli or Kolo, Pot, acquired by the Australian Museum in 1918 from WJ Potter. Height 18.5cm, diameter 15cm. Alola, Pot, Malasang Village, Buka Island, acquired by the Australian Museum in 1913 from PG Black. Height 35cm, diameter 25cm. Tabeli or Kolo, Pot, acquired by the Australian Museum in 1918 from WJ Potter. Height 20cm, diameter 15.5cm. Photo: C Bento.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
