2 - The Transcultural Dimension of Blue and White Pottery: Bridging the Archipelagic Linkages between Pakistan and Malaysia

This paper focuses on a key aspect of the Siraiki culture belonging to Pakistan. It is the hub of  centuries-old practice and tradition of blue and white pottery  (Laghari 2020; Khalid and Gillani 2010) as a folk symbol and an identity marker for the Siraiki community (Langah 2011). While being aware of similar traditions emerging from Chinese and Dutch cultures,this study is narrowed down to drawing comparisons between Southeast Asia in general and Malaysia in particular. My objective is to trace the converging cultural and Muslim influences between Pakistan and Malaysia to explore its symbolic significance beyond being identified as a ‘global commodity’ (Gerritson 2020). I explore how pottery making in specific contexts turns into a symbol of resistance and cultural empowerment.  This comparative study will be based on exploring the historical documentation and pottery samples available in the local libraries, archives, and museums of Malaysia (Moore 1988; Ali et al 2023; Vandiever at al, 1996) and Pakistan. Furthermore, I will be interviewing the traditional potters belonging to Siraiki region to be able to assess how they regard it necessary to transfer and preserve this skill to the future generations.