What to Expect From Our Pottery Class, a Part of Our Resort's Immersive Cultural Experiences

At Sumba Paradise Resort, known as one of the Sumba Best Hotels, we believe that travel is not only about pristine beaches and rolling hills but also about connecting with the island’s living culture. The island of Sumba consistently invites travelers to embrace its traditions while exploring its natural charm, deeply rooted in ancient heritage and community values. With this in mind, we curated our Cultural Experiences as part of our resort offerings, allowing every guest to enrich their stay while learning something new about Sumba.

Our Pottery Class gives tourists a look at the Sumbanese way of life via pottery, which is still a daily need for the inhabitants. Guests will learn how to make pottery in this session, assist local women artists who will be their teachers, and gain a greater understanding of Sumba's culture.

Pottery Shows the Cultural Roots of the Sumbanese

For the previous several hundred years, the people of Sumbanese have had a very traditional and conventional perspective of the world. It has come a long way, yet natural resources, a close-knit community, and old traditions still determine the way most people on the island live.

People on Sumba use pottery for both practical and symbolic purposes. It shows how the people are connected to their country, which is made from the same clays that have supported past generations for hundreds of years. These villagers have utilised clay pots for many things, like cooking, storing water, and more.

Women Empowerment Through Artisanal Skill

Sumbanese women find it challenging to pursue independent livelihoods, due to many complex social, religious and economic welfare factors. This is why our Cultural Experiences all aim to empower these women through our classes. Your contribution in joining these classes will go directly to the local women, giving them the opportunity to earn, teach and lead others through art; hence helping to progress the local dynamics while still preserving important traditions in a land where time moves slowly.

This effort is made possible through our partnership with aspiring community leader Asty Kulla, founder of the NGO English Goes to Kampung, who has dedicated her life to improving education and welfare in her village. Through this partnership and the creation of our Cultural Experiences, we are able to create a pathway that bridges the welfare and culture of the local communities and the guests' desire to learn more and have an enriching stay experience at our resort.

Why You Should Join a Pottery Class (or Any of Our Other Cultural Experience Classes)

Beyond its cultural significance, pottery is also a grounding and mindful activity. Working with natural clay encourages you to slow down and be present, while at the same time tapping into your own creativity. It offers a refreshing break from the busyness of daily routines, letting you immerse yourself in a completely new setting.

More than just a craft, pottery in Sumba is a way of connecting—both with the island’s traditions and with the local women who continue to pass down this ancestral skill. By joining the class, you don’t just learn how to shape clay; you also build meaningful connections and bring home an experience that stays with you long after your time at The Sanubari.

What You Should Know About Our Pottery Class

Our Pottery Class is for anyone who wants to try one of Sumba's timeless crafts, have artistic experiences on the island, and learn more about Sumba's culture in new ways after they leave.

The class itself will be an hour long, and during the session, the local teachers will guide participants through the process of shaping clay using the pottery wheel so they can create and mold their own ceramic piece. All equipment and materials will be provided, so participants will only need to bring themselves.

The location is a short 15-minute drive from our resort, so please book at least 24 hours in advance to our Guest Service team so we can arrange with the locals prior to your class.

The Experience of Crafting Something by Hand

In a world where most of what we use on a day-to-day basis is mass-produced using plastic materials, crafting a practical tool using clay offers a refreshing reminder for simplicity and, to some extent, even minimalism. Guests will also find our Pottery Class rather meditative; hands in the clay, shaping, molding and coaxing a form into existence, allowing them to retreat from the stress of strenuous digital work and simply be present in the moment.

You will find yourself immersed and enjoying the process of pottery, especially if you have a love for craft and art, even more so when this craft is tied to centuries-old tradition, which carries to it a deep history and meaning.

Supporting the Sumbanese People

Your contribution in joining this class goes directly to the local economy, and helps provide income for women artisans and their families. Guests are also welcome to purchase locally-made pottery souvenirs and other crafts during their visit and after class. These purchases will be made directly through Asty as the community leader, ensuring that the benefits are maintained within the village.

A Better Connection to Sumba's Culture

What sets the pottery class apart from a simple “island getaway activity” is the way it bridges two different worlds. Our Cultural Experiences are all about collaboration; guests are invited to create alongside locals, share stories, and leave with more than just a souvenir.

Good-to-Know Information and Tips Before Joining a Class

Our Pottery Class at The Sanubari is designed to be both immersive and enjoyable, lasting around one hour—just the right amount of time to learn the basics without feeling rushed. The class location is conveniently close, only a 15-minute drive or even a 10-minute walk from the resort. Everything you need is already prepared, from the pottery wheel and clay to all essential tools, so you can simply focus on the experience.

Guided by skilled local women artists, each session gives you the chance to learn directly from Sumba’s cultural guardians. Since pottery can get a little messy, we recommend dressing comfortably and modestly to enjoy the process without worry. To ensure the best preparation, bookings must be made at least 24 hours in advance, allowing our team to coordinate with the local community.

If you’re interested in joining the Pottery Class—or exploring other Cultural Experiences—we invite you to contact our Guest Service team, who will be happy to assist with all the details.

A Lasting Memory from The Sanubari

Our Pottery Class is one of the many ways to tap into the heart of Sumba and its beautiful culture. Through this traditional, underexplored craft, you will create a new artisanal souvenir while contributing to the preservation of Sumbanese heritage and the empowerment of local women.

Whether it’s the joy of shaping clay, the stories shared with local artisans, or the sense of connection you take home with you, this experience will be one of the most memorable events of your stay.

Plan your travels and book your stay at The Sanubari – Sumba Paradise Resort, and look forward to immersing yourself in a unique Pottery Class rich with culture, heritage, and community spirit.

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