Ceramics is a craft activity widely found in the Greater Florianópolis region, used especially in the making of household artifacts, such as jugs, pots, bowls, pans, jugs and vases. On a small scale, puppets and miniature reproductions of the Papaya Ox, Ribbon Stick and the Orquestra dos Sapos.

Ceramics is an activity brought by the Azoreans in the middle of the XVIII century. This practice was essential for the installation and maintenance of the people who inhabited the coast of Santa Catarina at the time, being the breadwinner of many families for decades. The city that stood out the most in ceramics was San Jose da Terra Firme, current St. Joseph , which exported its products to several places in Brazil. Proof of this is the Ponta de Baixo region, in São José, which had 19 active potteries in the last century.

Three municipalities in Santa Catarina still manufacture ceramic items: imarui, Porto belo e St. Joseph. The last one even has a Potters School, the only one of its kind in Brazil. About 6 thousand people have already participated in the school's courses, in regular activities of the institution. This contributed so that artisanal ceramics remained alive in the daily life of Greater Florianópolis. It is estimated that the site still has 10 potteries, located in regions such as Ponta de Baixo, Barreiros and Beira-mar de São José.

Differences

Ceramics produced in Greater Florianópolis are divided into two types:

rustic ceramics

Also known as potter's pottery, it produces utilities, that is, pots, cups and vases. In this modality, the raw material comes pure, then it is mixed with water and kneaded, and then it is placed on the lathe (potter's wheel). Already modeled, it receives the final finishing and goes to the oven with a temperature above 800ºC.

The creation of the utensils takes about a week to be ready, as it takes a long time for the piece to dry and the process must be done naturally. With smaller objects, such as cups, the process is faster and takes about three days.

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It is interesting to note that the material used in the burning is reused, as the potters in the region receive wood from civil construction, from companies that had to cut down trees to build. In addition, the lathe is a mechanical instrument, that is, electricity or running water is not required to carry out production.

Figurative Ceramics

It is artistic ceramics that produces works such as dolls and small objects. It has great cultural value, as it shows and disseminates important elements of our culture. In the case of Santa Catarina, some objects reproduced are the papaya ox, the bernúnça and the maricota, in addition to houses with Azorean facades.

The production of figurative ceramics is faster, as it takes place with an electric or gas oven, receiving higher temperatures. A small doll usually takes a day to dry and another day to paint, and is ready in two days.

Where to find

There are several places where tourists and residents can see and buy handcrafted ceramic pieces here in Florianópolis. A good option is Customs Square, which is right in the center of the city. There, the visitor can see several pieces on display, in different stalls inside the place, with options ranging from the papaya ox puppet to large pots over 30cm high.

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Several fairs around the city also sell the material, in neighborhoods like Saint Anthony of Lisbon, Conceição Lagoon e south swamp.

School of Potters Joaquim Antônio Medeiros

But for those who just want to see the pieces, the option is to visit the school. There you can follow the entire creation process, in addition to knowing a little about the history of the school and ceramics in São José. The school is open to visitors, and the tour is free. In addition, several courses are offered by the institution.