U Zlakusi se izrađuju posude od gline, koja se meša sa beličastim kamenom kalcitom, a peku se na otvorenoj vatri The vessels made here are produced from clay that’s mixed with a whitish stone- calcite, baked over an open fire
tain, it belongs administratively to the municipality of Užice. Which- ever direction you‘re approaching from, the surest sign that you‘re get- ting close to this village are roadside stalls displaying beautifully arranged pottery products. Residents of this village today tell stories, preserve traditions and make pottery. The vessels made here are produced from clay that‘s mixed with a whitish stone-calcite, thus enabling the creation of pots with large dimensions. They are baked over an open fire, which is unique across the entire territory of the Bal- kans. Many people claim that food is tastier when prepared in such dish- es, and the hard working hands of today‘s potters from Zlakusa don‘t only make dishes for the preparation of food, but also decorative dishes that are used to adorn rooms around the world. Using the prepared mixture of clay and calcite, vessels are formed on a hand powered wheel. After shaping, the clay is first dried and then finely decorated, which is again done by hand, and finally baked at a temperature of 870 to 890 degrees. The dishes are baked in a brick kiln for 10 hours and arranging the fire is also a genuine skill. The vessels are warmed gradually and it is essen- tial to know how to maintain and monitor the correct temperature... If it happens that the fire overheats, the work will amount to nothing… Zlakusa is a colourful village that has a soul, tradition and a fu- ture. It is enticing with its clean air, pristine nature and meadows filled with medicinal herbs. It has been so well arranged that today it‘s children are even returning. That‘s why it is said that this village has been glori- fied by pottery, but also saved by it.
The origin of the name Zlakusa is traditionally believed to have come from the old trade route that passed above the village. Fearing bandit raids, merchants would say that the road only became good after one passed through that “evil slope”, referring to the rise above the village
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