Traditional Pottery of Lesbos Receives UNESCO Recognition

In a quaint seaside workshop on the Greek island of Lesbos, 70-year-old Nikos Kouvdis is keeping an ancient craft alive, a labour of love that has now been honoured with a place on UNESCO’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The recognition celebrates his family’s dedication to preserving traditional pottery techniques in an era dominated by industrialisation.

For generations, Kouvdis and his family have practised this painstaking art near Mandamados, a village once teeming with pottery production. Today, their creations are among the last in the Mediterranean made from locally sourced clay, fired in a traditional kiln fuelled by olive pits, and painted with natural lime.

"It’s an honour for me," Kouvdis said, speaking of the UNESCO accolade.

While modern factory machinery can outpace a single potter’s efforts by a factor of ten, Kouvdis remains committed to these time-honoured methods. He expressed concern about the craft’s future, saying, "There’s no continuity. There’s no space for [our] method to continue."

Still, his passion endures. From his workshop overlooking the Aegean Sea, Kouvdis shapes each piece with meticulous care, driven by a deep sense of purpose.

"Above all, it’s a passion – trying to create something that fulfils you," he said.

With UNESCO’s recognition, Kouvdis’ work stands as a testament to the island’s rich cultural heritage and a rallying call for the preservation of traditional crafts in a rapidly modernising world.

(Source: Reuters)