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Tell us about the history of the emergence of Balhar ceramics. What are its characteristics?
Fatima Gammadova, folk arts and crafts master of Russia
According to historians, it goes back to the 3rd century BC.
There is a legend: a man named Kalkuchi was travvelling and stopped at the shore of the lake to rest.
Sitting near the lake, he picked up the clay which was around the lake, and began to sculpt something out of this.
And he made a saucer, which eventually dried up and served some attribute for later use.
This legend says that this Kalkuchi, seeing the practical application of what was molded from clay,
spread it around his village, where he lived.
This clay is in the mountains, at a depth of 2-3 meters; there are a lot of layers,
and there is just one layer of clay, which is just suitable for ceramic products.
To my great regret, Balhar production is the only one in Dagestan which produces pottery and toys.
Previously, there were several centers in Dagestan, like Ispik,
with its plate which is very much appreciated and famous – there are very few such plates.
It is preserved by a few collectors.
It was an element of interior, with a relief pattern, a very interesting dish.
There was a center for the production in Dzhuli, which made large vessels for wine, grain, for other products.
Ispik, Dzuli, several villages in Tabasaran – to my great regret, these centers disappeared.
The only center that still produces is Balhar ceramics.
When I was studying in school, my peers still knew how to sculpt, but I continued to do this as a hobby.
My grandmother, as I remember it, molded to the last of her days.
So, I learned this from her, because it was quite interesting to do it with her.
In the clay, you can display your thoughts, your dreams, you can create some kind of beauty that you would like to see.
Using clay you can express yourself.
Now, unfortunately, the need for these products, these vessels is lost,
because there is very diverse modern replacement – plastic, iron and more.
And the production itself is a very beautiful craft, in fact, and it is a pity that it will be lost.