The best known pottery in Brazil comes from different areas: the Amazon region,
Pernambuco and Bahia in northeastern Brazil, and Minas Gerais and Sπo Paulo in the South.
Each has different characteristics, according to the type or color of the clay utilized
and the designs and decorations, which vary greatly from place to place. They are usually
made by hand, even though the wheel may be used for large vessels. In the famous valley of
the Jequitinhonha River in Minas Gerais, for instance, the clay is white or yellowish and
the figures are often in the shape of trees, animals or people. The potters of the valley
of the Paraφba River in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Sπo Paulo are known for their
elaborate Nativity scenes, religious images and the depiction of people going about their
daily chores. In Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, artisans reproduce regional scenes and
characters in a reddish clay that is often painted with bright colors.
Maria-Brazil has more Brazilian pottery in the Maracatu and Bumba-meu-boi pages. Also, pottery from a great store in Rio de Janeiro
called Andanτas and a fabulous store in Salvador, Bahia, Coisas da Terra, and pottery from the superb collections of Instituto Mauß of Bahia. All pictures taken during our last trip to
Brazil.
