Bombay potters at work--Photographer: Narayen, Shivashanker Medium: Photographic print Date: 1873

Photograph of potters at Bombay in Maharashtra, taken by Shivashanker Narayen in c. 1873, from the Archaeological Survey of India. This image, of two potters at work at their wheels, surrounded by their finished work was probably an exhibition print. The kumhar (potter) makes unglazed terracotta or earthenware pots for the storage of grain, spices or pickles, and for transporting and storing water. The potter also makes bricks and tiles for housing. Vessels for eating and drinking are usually made of metal or glass. However, small disposable drinking vessels, that are used once and then thrown away, are made of terracotta.