BETTER LIVING THROUGH POTTERY
Sejnania is a social project that aims to empower the women potters in the Sejnane region of Tunisia to protect their ancient skills and earn a living. Here, the 1000-year old craft passes from mother to daughter with each artist contributing her own ideas to the design of objects, like our Tunisian Clay beads. Project director, Zaineb Farhat works to increase global awareness for the potters’ iconic wood-fired pieces and in turn generate income for the women. Check out our interview with Zaineb (below) to see how all are faring.
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ABOUT SEJNANE POTTERY
Sejnane pottery was recently classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, recognizing its important role in Tunisia's cultural heritage. This award helps protect the skills and subsequently livelihoods of the Sejnane women potters.
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We caught up with Zaineb in Sejnane.

How are things with you and the potters?

I am busy finishing preparations for our next event as part of a solidarity campaign for the potters. It’s a sales exhibition featuring the work of 60 women and will be held in the Yasmine Hammamet Medina in Hammamet, Tunisia for 3 days.

What is your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge is to help these craftswomen to sell their creations and to have more orders in order to guarantee income for each one, especially during the pandemic. At the same time, we want to introduce new women to the craft and train them.

How do you stay strong and resilient?

I believe in this project. When I see the love of the women towards their art it makes me stronger. Also, the feeling that we are all a family. The potters share their problems and their worries with me.

Where do you find moments of joy?

My greatest joy is working in the field and meeting with the potters who transform the clay with love and passion. I also love exchanges with partners and customers who help make us even more creative. We’re always looking to make new things.

What are you grateful for?

The pandemic has been a critical time for us financially. All the orders and fairs were canceled. I’m truly grateful to a great supporter of Senjnania who funded a solidarilty campaign for us, as well as our partners who continued to place orders like Bloomist.