Nepal1 Nepal1
Living With Gods And Demons (continued)


Not far from Kathmandu, there is town called Bhaktapur. Like Kathmandu, it has a Durbar Square, but in addition to that, Bhaktapur has a Potter's Square. Under the old Hindu caste system, someone born in a potter's family is destined to be a potter and have children who would grow up to be potters.

Here, pottery is made using methods not too different from those used centuries ago. All through their lives and generation after generation, these people practise and perfect the art of pottery. It is no wonder that these people produce eathernware of such quality.

For most of us, colours are interesting additions to our lives. To the Nepalese, colour is an essential part of life. I'm sure our brother selling thika powder here would agree. You can buy thika powder very cheaply here - enough for you to paint your whole face. Beware of the sadhu who comes up to you with a friendly smile, paints a thika on your forehead and then asks for Rs100!

Of course, clay and ceramics are not the only things that can be made into works of art. This is what Tibetan script looks like. Mani stones like these (don't climb, they're sacred) blend human design with natural form.


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