Today, in La Gomera, you can still see pottery being made in the traditional way and in traditional shapes. Today the only working traditional potteries are in El Cercado - one of the high villages (los pueblos del alto) of the island. In former times there were also potteries at Vallehermoso, Agulo, and Alajero.

The making methods of the pottery women, using locally dug earthenware clay, are simple. There are no potters wheels - the forms are created by hand - a fine burnishing slip is prepared - and the surfaces are burnished to a deep gloss prior to being fired in a wood fired kiln. Do visit them and the interpretation centre in El Cercado - do support their work. It is an important connection with the island's history.

The Museum in Hermigua, on the north side of La Gomera, has this wonderful collection of original island crafts. As you will see from the video there is a large selection of traditional ceramics.