POTTERY WORKSHOP "CHADLEYA AND ADEL BEN MAHMOUD

If you only had one craft workshop to visit on your visit to Djerba, it would be that of Chadleya and Adel Ben Mahmoud on the main street of Guellala. This pair of potters is remarkable in more ways than one. Adel is a potters from father to son, and loves passing on his art. Chadleya is Djerba's only female potter. In a society where women are still too often relegated to domestic tasks, her husband Adel is proud to have her at his side in the workshop they share. While they both mold (beautiful) one-off pieces, it's only she who decorates them with superb Amazigh (Berber) motifs. It's easy to see why "Amazighs" means free men and women in the Berber language. As well as being artists, they're also incredible hosts, having welcomed ministers and heads of state, and they're just as happy to welcome the passing traveler. There's no obligation to buy anything here: they'll insist on serving you a cup of tea, or even breakfast! You can also try your hand at making your own pottery, using the couple's potter's wheel free of charge for as long as you like. Beautiful one-off pieces of pottery are on sale in the workshop at rock-bottom prices: you'll find candleholders and small mugs from 3 DT a piece. Don't forget to set aside some time for your visit - you'll find it hard to leave!