Pottery making has been a longstanding tradition in Tunis Village, Fayoum but it experienced a re-birth when Swiss residents Evelyne Porret and Michel Pastore built the a house and Fayoum Pottery School in the 70’s . Since then, generations of locals have developed the art to create distinctive pieces.
Several local potters have since started pottery schools and sales points, which helped the village become globally known for its pottery work. More than 20 of these pottery schools have participated in many gallery exhibitions in Cairo, as well as in several European cities.
The pottery, mostly decorated with native art, depicts the things the craftsmen see in daily life like donkeys, cows, ducks and agricultural products, in addition to various geometrical shapes. The products include mugs, espresso cups, teapots, and large plates. The beauty of their work relates largely to the place they live in, providing them a flood of inspiration and raw talent. Many of them are also farmers, teachers and housewives, and a few of the women have turned their pottery talent into a major source of income.
Kom El Dikka Agri Lodge, an agri-tourism farm and hotel in Tunis village also participates in the pottery business by displaying the work at their Zamalek Kom El Dikka Gallery. The shop carries a mix of all products produced in Tunis Village like mugs, plates, mirrors, tables, and more. Mugs are probably the best-selling, providing you with a daily morning reminder of this beautiful place. The shop also provides a service of custom-making of special orders.
