History of pottery in Zlakusa

The pottery tradition of Zlakusa is reckoned at about four centuries, though the written record begins only in the second half of the 19th century. The craft passed down within families, from one generation to the next, and thanks to this it survived the abrupt changes in the way of life in the second half of the 20th century.

The earliest written mention of Zlakusa pottery dates from the middle of the 19th century: the Austro-Hungarian travel writer Felix Kanitz recorded the craft during a visit to the area in 1860. An older origin is assumed but not documented.

A craft that is inherited

What sets Zlakusa apart is that the skill has remained almost unchanged. Potters still work on a hand wheel and fire on an open flame, just as their ancestors did. The knowledge is most often transmitted through shared work — younger family members learn by watching and helping the more experienced masters.

The path to recognition

Zlakusa pottery was among the first elements inscribed in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Serbia in 2012. Eight years later, in December 2020, it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List as the fourth element from Serbia and the first from the field of craft knowledge and skills.

The wider area of the craft

Although it is named after Zlakusa, the protected area also includes the neighbouring villages of Rupeljevo, Gorjani, Radovci, Zdravcici and Vranjani. The raw materials — clay and calcite — are dug from deposits in that vicinity, tying the craft firmly to the village's natural surroundings.