Sejnane

In the hills of Bizerte governorate, about 100 km north-west of Tunis, the women of Sejnane make pottery entirely by hand: no wheel, no kiln. Bowls, jars and figurines are decorated with geometric patterns, then fired in an open fire. The know-how has been on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage since 2018.

History

UNESCO inscribed the pottery skills of the women of Sejnane on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2018.

Customs

Buy directly from the makers, and ask before photographing them. The pieces are fragile: have them wrapped well.

Food

Pair the visit with a meal in nearby Bizerte.

Best time

Spring and autumn. Roads can be slippery after heavy winter rain.

Making this pottery is traditionally women’s work, passed from mother to daughter.