Traditional Earthen Pots Remain Vital for Grain Storage in Nepal
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The summer season has begun in Nepal, a time when traditional earthen pot makers like Chattrapati Yadav continue their craft. Yadav, a 70-year-old resident of Dang, creates durable storage vessels known as dehari, which indigenous communities rely on to keep grains safe. These handmade pots, which can outlast their makers, represent a living cultural practice passed down through generations.
Facts First
- Chattrapati Yadav continues making traditional earthen pots in Dang, western Nepal.
- Dehari are grain storage vessels used by indigenous communities like the Tharu and Yadav.
- The craft is passed through generations; Yadav learned from her mother and taught her daughters and granddaughters.
- Production takes about a week to make and a month to dry.
- A well-protected dehari can outlast its maker, offering long-term utility.
What Happened
The summer season has started in Nepal, marking a period for traditional crafts like pottery. Chattrapati Yadav, a 70-year-old resident of Dang in western Nepal, continues the practice of making handmade earthen pots, a skill she learned from her mother. She has taught this craft to her daughters and granddaughters, ensuring its transmission. The pots she makes include cylindrical and rectangular storage vessels, specifically dehari, which are traditional food grain and seed storage bins used by indigenous communities in Nepal's Terai region, such as the Tharu and Yadav.
Why this Matters to You
If you rely on sustainable, local methods for preserving food, this story highlights a time-tested solution. The dehari, made from locally available mud, husk, and some dung, represent a form of food security that is independent of modern industrial supply chains. For communities preserving cultural heritage, the continuation of this craft across generations may help maintain unique knowledge and practices.
What's Next
The craft appears likely to continue within Yadav's family line, as she has already taught her daughters and granddaughters. The durability of the pots—a well-protected dehari can outlast its maker—means each vessel created now could serve future generations, providing a lasting resource for grain storage.