Earth & Ocean – The Soulful Pottery of Huahine
On a quiet motu off the coast of Faie, where the lagoon’s breath meets the sky, a small pottery studio rests gently on the edge of the world.
Accessible only by boat, this secluded sanctuary offers a sacred space where earth, sea, and tradition come together in perfect harmony.
Here, eight Huahine families work side by side, creating pottery and farming pearls in a rhythm guided by tides and moonlight. Their days begin with the sound of paddles slicing through the water and end with hands covered in clay, shaping vessels that echo the island’s spirit.
Set right on the beach, the studio looks out across a tranquil stretch of turquoise. This remote location keeps distractions away and invites stillness, connection, and deep creativity. It is this peaceful environment that allows the artists to carry forward the legacy of Huahine’s ancestral craftsmanship, reviving an art form that dates back to the Lapita people, Polynesia’s first voyagers and potters.
What makes Huahine pottery truly unique is not just the form, but the finish. The studio’s most distinctive pieces are glazed using natural materials found 90 feet deep in the lagoon, discovered during pearl farming. These rare minerals give the pottery its signature hues, echoing the tones of coral beds, sunlit waters, and volcanic soil. Each piece becomes a reflection of the very land and sea from which it was born.
Visitors will find a stunning range of handcrafted works, from functional pieces like bowls and vases to sculptural expressions rooted in Polynesian symbolism. Techniques vary, from traditional coil-building to wheel-thrown forms, all unified by the unmistakable mark of Huahine’s raw beauty and ancestral strength.
For the curious traveler seeking something meaningful, a visit to this hidden studio on the motu offers a quiet return to the elements. A way to feel the story of Huahine not through words, but through touch, texture, and time.
Here, the pottery doesn’t just hold water. It holds memory and mana.
Photo credit: Huahine Pearl Farm and Pottery
