http://www.allafrica.com/ The region of Guellala in Djerba ,employs some 187 craftsmen and counts 28 pottery manufactories, 25 production and commercial premises as well as 22 handicraft shops.

A Berber village on the south of Djerba, Guellala is also known for its silver Jewellery ware and its traditional olive pressing industry. The town is also famous for its museum, which re-enacts weddings and olive pressing.

The region which is visited by an important number of visitors throughout the year is devising ways to preserve its pottery industry, threatened by the shortage of clay, used to make its unique potteries and handicraft.

A recent geophysical study, elaborated by the National office of Mines, has made it possible to identify large quantities of clay possessing the same chemical composition in neighboring areas.

Evoking the importance of the sector of pottery manufacturing as a cultural and civilizational heritage, Mr Chokri Mamoghli, the Secretary of State in charge of handicrafts, stressed the opportunities that the new legislation on the traceability and origin of handicraft products will offer to the various regions, which will be able to tap on their handicraft sector to promote their tourist sites.

Mr Mamoghli who chaired a work session aimed at boosting traditional handicrafts such as the Guellala pottery, also invited the local craftsmen to give their suggestions on ways of boosting the local handicraft sector, on the island.