Reviving old traditions: The pottery journey of Veles teens
Young artisans in Veles rediscover their heritage through the revival of traditional pottery craftsmanship.
05/09/2024
Walking through the narrow, steep streets of Veles, North Macedonia, feels like stepping back in time. The town, with its cobblestone paths and traditional stone houses, echoes a past where the art of pottery thrived. Among the most iconic spots in Veles is the alley of poetry, where celebrated poet Kocho Racin was born. Racin wasn’t just a poet; he also dabbled in pottery—a craft that was once the heartbeat of this town. His work, alongside that of other artisans, was so highly regarded that some pieces were even exported to Western Europe.
Fast forward to today, and pottery in Veles is almost a lost art. But thanks to a new initiative, the craft is making a comeback, led by a new generation of young artisans. Anastasija Davcheva and Antonio Trajkovski, both 14, are part of a group of 25 students from Veles who have discovered a passion for pottery through workshops supported by the EU and UNDP. These workshops are part of the “Ethnic Creative Workshops for Revival of Old Crafts,” funded under the Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans (ReLOaD).
Antonio was initially unsure about the workshops.
When I first joined, pottery felt strange to me. But over time, it became more interesting. Now, I’d rather create with clay than play games on my phone. Pottery is a really interesting craft.
Antonio Trajkovski
“When I first joined, pottery felt strange to me,” he says. “But over time, it became more interesting. Now, I’d rather create with clay than play games on my phone. Pottery is a really interesting craft.”
Anastasija shares a similar sentiment. She finds the workshops “fun,” especially when working on the pottery wheel and drawing designs.
These workshops are led by Goce Stanchev, one of the last four remaining ceramic artists in Veles. Despite initial scepticism, Stanchev has seen a growing interest among the children.
If we manage to turn even two out of 20 children into potters, it will be a great success.
Goce Stanchev, ceramic artistPottery has deep roots in Veles. In the early 20th century, many families in the town were engaged in pottery, producing pieces that were known far beyond the borders of North Macedonia. This connection to tradition makes the revival of pottery even more significant, both for the town’s heritage and its future.
Stanchev believes that for pottery and other traditional crafts to survive, they need to be integrated into the education system. “There is a future in pottery, but it requires encouragement,” he says. “My wife and I have been professionally engaged in this craft for 15 years. There is demand in the market, but not enough people to meet it. I’m proof that one can make a living from pottery.”
This initiative in Veles is just one of 50 projects supported by the ReLOaD programme in North Macedonia over the past three years. These projects focus on empowering young people, promoting social cohesion, protecting the environment, and preserving cultural heritage.
For these young participants, the pottery workshops are more than just an after-school activity—they’re a way to connect with their heritage and a potential path to a future career. As Anastasija puts it, “It would be nice to keep pottery as a craft because it is part of the tradition of our country.”
This story shows how old crafts can find new life through the enthusiasm of young people, guided by the wisdom of those who have kept these traditions alive. It’s a powerful reminder that even in a digital age, hands-on creativity and connection to heritage remain valuable and fulfilling.