Yandabo Village (A Pot-making Village)
Another 20 miles downriver from the Lekkapin Village, on the east bank of the river, is Yandabo. This village appears on some maps, and even has a signpost, so we can be certain about the name.
Orange tags show the locations of the 25 photographs on this web page.
Arrival
As usual, we tie to a mud bank, and as usual there are some local people washing themselves, or other things, in the river. There is also an unofficial welcoming committee, and sure enough, a village sign (donated by an Australian group).
The Village
Village structures are much the same as at Lekkapin Village. Here, we also find a small store. Looking around, we couldn't possibly fail to notice that this village is all about the making of pots.
Pot Making
A variety of methods are used to form and shape the pots, and to imprint patterns on them. There are also a variety of types, and a variety of sizes.
Working the potting wheel. The pots are formed by hand, yet they are remarkably uniform within each type and size.
Clay ovens.
Maker's mark.
After the pots are fully formed they are dried in the sun. Then a mound of combustible material is formed (above right), and the pots are carefully arranged on the mound (below). More combustible material (straw, we think) is added on top, and then the whole thing is ignited to bake and harden the pots. This looks like a recipe for burning down the village, but they use this method regularly, so their fire control methods must be effective.
Villagers
