A craftswoman checks pottery pots, Vietnam

Description

 A craftswoman completes the final process before move square pottery pots to furnace. In the traditional custom of Vietnamese, when people pass away, the body will be buried to the ground naturally. Three years later, after a ceremony called Cai Cat, it will be disintered and the remain bones will be transferred to these square pots for eternal burials.

National Geographic Your Shot – May 11, 2017

Behold a masterfully crafted print, showcasing a poignant moment frozen in time. The photograph elegantly captures the meticulous process of a craftswoman, delicately overseeing the placement of square pottery pots into a furnace. This intricate scene unfolds within the rich tapestry of Vietnamese tradition, where rituals surrounding life and death are woven together.

The solemnity of the occasion is marked by a ritual known as Cai Cat, a cultural ceremony observed three years after a person’s passing. During this reverent event, the remains are carefully exhumed from their natural burial site and tenderly placed within the square pots. These vessels, arranged with precision and care, serve as eternal resting places for the departed.

The composition skillfully conveys the essence of cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the profound customs that shape the collective identity of a community. The image, sourced from National Geographic’s Your Shot collection on May 11, 2017, serves as a visual testament to the enduring connection between tradition and the human experience.

Through the lens of the photographer, the intricate details of the process are revealed, inviting viewers to contemplate the profound significance of life’s cyclical nature. The print, a testament to the artistry of the moment captured, holds a resonance that extends beyond its visual appeal, encapsulating a timeless narrative of tradition, respect, and the enduring thread that binds generations together.