Pottery-making gets new boost through donation of electric kiln |12 April 2023

Mr Arnephy using the electric kiln

Renowned local artisan Mickey Arnephy, who specialises in pottery, received his new electric kiln yesterday afternoon at the Domaine de Val des Près, through a donation under the National Arts and Culture Fund (NACF) grant.

It was the principal secretary for the Culture department, Cecile Kalebi, who officially handed over the kiln to Mr Arnephy.

The project to purchase the electric kiln is in line with NACF’s mandate to continuously support the development and promotion of the Seychellois culture and heritage. The kiln was purchased from the Cape Pottery supplies in South Africa.

Mr Arnephy of ‘Later Rouz’ ceramic studio based at the Domaine de Val des Près, has 39 years of experience in pottery making. The resident of Port Glaud started his career working for government and later quitted to start his own pottery business at the craft village in Au Cap, where he produces his art work.

Mr Arnephy, who describes pottery as not only an art but a form of therapy, said it was a great pleasure to receive the kiln and was grateful to the NACF and all those who made it possible. “I know the committee has been working exceptionally hard to make this a reality, even though I did not get the kiln at the time I most needed it but I am happy that it is finally here as the famous proverb says ‘Mieux vaut tard que jamais’,” he said.

The handover ceremony also included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Mr Arnephy and the National Arts and Crafts Council (NACC) executive director Jimmy Savy, to train young people in the development of pottery in Seychelles.

When addressing the guests, PS Kalebi said that pottery is an art form that is disappearing in Seychelles and with the signing of the agreement, there will be a calendar of activities to continuously engage the youths in pottery programmes so as to entice them to choose this art form.

“We do not only want to develop their skills in the art of pottery but also to consider crafts as a worthwhile career and business,” said Ms Kalebi.

During yesterday’s ceremony, invitees also witnessed a short demonstration on the making of pottery by Mr Arnephy and the TVET students, followed by a brief tour of Mr Arnephy’s kiosk to discover the wonders of ceramic pottery and the use of the kiln.

Diane Larame

Photos by Patrick Joubert