Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Museum: University of St Andrews Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 4 Intangible Context Molelos black clay is linked to local cuisine, where some recipes are prepared in black clay pots, giving them a unique flavour. Economic Threats Insufficient renumeration Technological Threats Industrial production Demographic Threats Rural-urban migration Decontextualization Touristification Climate Actions Research,Community Engagement,Collaboration with other organisations SDG Good Health and Wellbeing,Decent Work and Economic Growth,Industry Innovation and Infrastructure External ID UAVEIRO_CP_02 Knowledge Preparation of pastes (mixture of “weak” and “strong” clays), wheel throwing, polishing with pebbles, controlled drying and reduction firing ("soenga"; wood/gas kilns). Knowledge Transfer Intergenerational transmission through family lines (e.g. grandfather → uncle → António Marques) and practical learning in workshops; annual demonstration of soenga reinforces the continuity of know-how. Practitioners Potters and craftspeople from Molelos; today, men and women share specialised tasks. Function Supply of cooking and tableware, decorative objects and affirmation of the territory's identity; heritage and tourism promotion (public demonstrations of soenga). Origins and change Attested since the 16th century; between the 19th and 20th centuries, it was one of the largest national centres. In the 20th century, wood-fired kilns appeared, followed by gas-fired kilns; partial mechanisation of clay preparation; maintenance of the pottery workshop in a demonstration context. Organisations Tondela City Council Places Workshops and kilns in various locations within the parish (Raposeiras, Machorro, Vela); Tondela Municipal Museum (black pottery room). Artefacts Utility items; decorative objects. Economic Threats Description Limited profitability, ageing workforce and industrial competition. Technological Threats Description The introduction of gas kilns and modern techniques may alter the traditional character of reduction firing. Demographic Threats Description The migration of young people to urban centres in search of employment and education has contributed to the depopulation of rural areas in Tondela and the decline of craft activities. Many descendants of potters did not remain in Molelos, which interrupted the family succession in the workshops. This migration reduces the number of potential apprentices and threatens the continuity of local craft production, which depends on constant presence in the community and direct access to raw materials. Safeguarding activities Transmission occurs through demonstrations, workshops and sharing between generations. State of the practice declining Social sustainability Black clay pottery contributes to social sustainability by strengthening local identity and a sense of belonging to the Molelos community. The practice involves families and different generations, promoting social cohesion and the appreciation of traditional knowledge. The participation of women in polishing and finishing the pieces reinforces gender equality and the recognition of complementary roles. Public demonstrations of the ‘soenga’ encourage intergenerational dialogue and heritage education. Environmental sustainability The practice upholds principles of environmental sustainability, using natural and local raw materials (clay extracted in the region and wood from controlled sources). The reuse of clay scraps and firing in traditional kilns are examples of a circular economy. Despite environmental restrictions on firing, potters have adapted their processes — combining gas kilns and occasional soengas — to reduce emissions and preserve the heritage character of black clay. Economic sustainability Molelos pottery contributes to the economic sustainability of the region, ensuring craftsmanship and promoting products with local identity and added value. The certification of Louça Preta de Molelos (2020) has opened up new market opportunities and increased the value of this craft product. Collaboration with designers and cultural institutions allows for diversification of income sources and increased visibility for the sector, although the economic balance remains fragile in the face of industrial production. Place The town or city Molelos, Tondela, Portugal Place Description A black clay potter in Molelos (Tondela), António Manuel Matos Marques began his career at the age of 14, learning from his uncle (who in turn had learned from his grandfather). He has more than four decades of continuous practice, producing mainly utilitarian and decorative pieces on a potter's wheel, with a traditional burnished finish. He continues to fire his pieces in a reducing environment (wood-fired kiln) and values the transmission of know-how — he even taught a colleague when he was 19. In the workshop, the polishing stage is often carried out by local craftswomen (e.g. Lurdes Coimbra). Among his current pieces are jugs (c. 20 minutes/unit), baking trays and tableware, preserving the formal grammar of the Molelos pottery centre. Wiki A link to a wiki entry about this item. https://culturality.museum/wiki/index.php/Black_Clay_Pottery_of_Molelos Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Black Clay Pottery of Molelos Type The nature or genre of the resource Intangible Description An account of the resource Molelos Black Pottery is a traditional craft involving ceramics fired in a reducing atmosphere, characterised by wheel-throwing, polishing/buffing and traditional firing (in wood-fired kilns; today also gas-fired). Historically one of the largest centres for black pottery in Portugal (documented since the 16th century), it maintains family and professional production, combining utilitarian (thick pottery) and decorative types, with a strong local identity. Extent The size or duration of the resource. x x Contributor An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource iain Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context 732 References A related resource that is referenced, cited, or otherwise pointed to by the described resource. https://7maravilhas.pt/portfolio/louca-preta-de-molelos/ https://www.patrimoniocultural.gov.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ficha-MatrizPCI.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3FS07QYpD0 Date Submitted Date of submission of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Submitted may be relevant are a thesis (submitted to a university department) or an article (submitted to a journal). 27/10/2025 Alternative Title An alternative name for the resource. The distinction between titles and alternative titles is application-specific. Barro Preto de Molelos; Olaria de Molelos Spatial Coverage Spatial characteristics of the resource. current,40.530278,-8.095556; Europeana Specific elements of the Europeana Semantic Elements. Europeana Type The Europeana material type of the resource. TEXT