JAKARTA (indo.com): Around 3,000 years ago when our Indonesian ancestors started to settle down and become aware of the need to have a vessels to put something in, they turned to earth and converted it into earthenware water jars, cups tempayan and the likes.

The making of earthenware vessels and terracotta objects did not stagnate but, enhanced by the diversity of ethnic, regional, past and current cultures, continued to develop until today, with artists also using this medium for aesthetic expression.

"Our ancestors did not make a wrong choice in making terracotta objects that prevail from historical times until today," the National Museum's Director Endang Sri Hardiati told indo.com recently.

The tradition of making terracotta objects in Indonesia began in the pre-historic period, continued into the classical period, then evolved with Islamic and European influences into the contemporary period. Each period has its own characteristics, uniqueness and masterpieces.

The techniques of terracotta making in this pre-historical time were pinching, pedal and envil, techniques which later developed into the use of the simple fast wheel. Products made with these techniques include pots, cups, water jars and funeral vessels, some of them decorated.

In the classical period, a time when the influences of Hindu and Buddhism were very strong, the tradition of making terracotta objects flourished in line with the concept of cosmology developed by the religions. According to Hinduism and Buddhism, the cosmos consists of five elements: earth, water, air, fire and ether. "The earthenware items that have been fired are called terracotta. Thus, terracotta has a significant meaning in Hindu philosophy because it is made of earth with water elements and is burnt in fire," she said.

In this era, terracotta making was not confined to only vessels and ceremonial objects. It was also used for construction components, such as water pipes, bricks, roof decoration and well walls. "Even in the era of the Majapahit Kingdom in the 14th century, tops of wooden poles were covered with decorated terracotta. This shows that terracotta making was not only linked to daily utilitarian functions but also served as a medium of artistic expression," she said.

In the era of the Majapahit Kingdom, large water jars were beautifully decorated with reliefs. From the Madjapahit era, a variety of savings boxes in the shape of animals were made, including those shaped as pigs (piggy banks) and other global forms with sound openings.

Various terracotta objects dating back to prehistoric times as well as contemporary pieces are found all over the archipelago. Great numbers of ancient terracotta pieces have been found during excavations, and many more are still buried in the various archaeological sites. Experts hold that the abundance of terracotta finds indicates that this kind of pottery has been produced by people over many millennia.

Terracotta objects belonging to pre-historic times have been discovered in a number of sites including South Sulawesi, Jakarta, East Java, West Java, Central Java, Bali, Sumba, Flores and South Sulwesi.Terracotta from the classical period has been found in North Sumatra, Jambi, South Sumatra, West Java, East Java, Central Java and South Kalimantan.

These ancient terracotta remains are now stored at the National Museum in Jakarta and in archaeological centres outside Jakarta, including in Palembang, South Sumatra and Banjarmasin in Kalimanatan, West Java and East Java.

If you are a terracotta enthusiast and you happen to be in Jakarta, then check out the National Museum, where over 300 terracotta pieces from various different areas in Indonesia are on display. The works on view cover those made in pre-historic times around 3000 years ago until modern era. The exhibition commenced on November 26, 2000 and will run to January 31, 2000.