vis Daily Tribune, 26 May 2024: A recent workshop in Bohol aimed to revitalize the traditional craft of making kulun, or salt pots, essential for producing asin tibuok. This cultural initiative, supported by the National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol and local government, featured master classes and lectures to educate and inspire a new generation of potters.
Because of its process and cultural value, asin tibuok has been included in the British Museum’s Endangered Material Knowledge Program bringing pride to Filipino heritage advocates. Integral to making asin tibuok is the kulun (often shortened to ku’n), which because of the diminishing demand of the artisanal salt is also in the brink of vanishing. Also contributing to the dimishing demand for local pottery is the availability of fine porcelain from China in the 10th century and in modern times, the availability of metal and plastic dinnerware.
As asin tibuok experiences renewed interest and demand, there are very few practicing pot makers who can meet the demand.
The National Museum of the Philippines-Bohol in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, and the Center for Culture and the Arts Development (CCAD) of the provincial government of Bohol recognize the important role of the ku’n and the problem the practice is facing.
Source: Workshop aims to revitalize Bohol’s salt pot making tradition
