A’ali Pottery: Bahrain’s Living Craft

This series documents one of the last remaining pottery workshops in A’ali, Bahrain, a village steeped in the tradition of handcrafted ceramics. The photographs capture not only the artisans at work, shaping clay with skill and precision, but also the quiet, timeless essence of the workshop itself — the earthy textures, soft light filtering through the space, and the rows of pots and ceramics in various stages of creation. A’ali’s pottery tradition, which dates back centuries, is intertwined with Bahrain’s history and cultural identity. The village is known for its unique techniques and distinctive clay, shaped by both heritage and the artisans’ enduring dedication. These workshops, often located near ancient burial mounds, hold echoes of a craft that has stood the test of time. Supported in part by the Bahraini government through initiatives aimed at preserving cultural heritage, the pottery workshops of A’ali are a reminder of the beauty in traditional craftsmanship. This work seeks to honour both the people and the spaces that sustain this craft, offering a glimpse into the enduring art of pottery in Bahrain.