By Joshua Seemungal | ROOTT
Before a deya lights a home, there is clay, craftsmanship and knowledge passed through generations. ROOTT visits Ragoonanan Pottery Shop in Chase Village, Trinidad and Tobago, to see how deyas and other clay pottery are made by hand.
Deya making at Ragoonanan Pottery Shop
The family workshop has been in business for more than 100 years and traces its craft to the current owner’s grandfather, who came from India. The feature follows the process from preparing and shaping the clay to firing and decorating the finished pieces.
Preserving Trinidad’s living heritage
Filmed ahead of Divali, the story explores the skill and patience behind handmade pottery and the importance of passing that knowledge to another generation. Watch the full documentary above to see the process and hear the stories behind the craft.
Continue exploring Caribbean culture with ROOTT’s visit to the Siparia Nyabinghi celebration. Browse more features and documentaries, or suggest a story about your community.