“I Started learning pottery from my grandfather at six” says Fernandes.
Today, at 84, he continues making pots for a living. He makes traditional Goan pots, which were once used for cooking. Nowadays most people buy them for home decor.
When I asked how many pots would he have made in his lifetime, he grinned. He had lost his count long ago.
A traditional hand driven cart wheel is used to make pots.
The one that he is using at present is about 25 years old.
He starts working in the morning and makes pots till noon. A short nap after lunch and then he prepares clay for the next day.
He sells the pots to local shops in nearby towns of Madgaon & Navelim.
I had a tough time finding traditional Kumbhars (potters) in Goa. Most potters now use motors to drive the wheel.
Fernandes is the only Kumbhar left in his village which once was famous for its pottery. Such an admirable art would find its place in history if our generation fails to acknowledge it.
Earth | Zuanvar Fernandes, Sarzora, Goa
Dedicated to the hands that made countless pots
Photos & words by Rahul Nair
Rahul Nair
Rahul is a wicked Keralite born, Bombay raised, Goa based photographer with a keen eye for the often overlooked.
This is 4th & final edition to the Goa, raw & real series with Rahul Nair.
You can find parts 1, 2 & 3 here:
Along with another of Rahul's short films 'Pilots of Goa' over here.
And be sure to follow Rahul for more visual stories on Instagram @rahulnaayar
& Youtube.