Making a stemaing pot, kơl hôl piêng, in Yang Tao village : openning the lump of clay

The potter first creates a compact cylinder of clay. The size of the cylinder depends on the size and shape of the intended pot. For this steaming pots, the cylinder is slightly larger at the top then it is at its base. Mai Kim places it on its base and inserts her thumb inside, 3-4cm away from the edge. While turning around the support, she inserts her thumb all along the way, creating a regular furrow all around the initial lump. This furrow forms the internal wall of the pot.