Libyan potters seek online customers – in pictures

  • A potter works at a ceramics workshop in the town of Gharyan, about 100km (60 miles) south-west of the capital Tripoli. All photos: AFP
    A potter works at a ceramics workshop in the town of Gharyan, about 100km (60 miles) south-west of the capital Tripoli. All photos: AFP
  • Gharyan sculpted a reputation for ceramics generations ago, but fragile demand is forcing potters to seek new markets on Instagram and Facebook.
    Gharyan sculpted a reputation for ceramics generations ago, but fragile demand is forcing potters to seek new markets on Instagram and Facebook.
  • Potters in Gharyan face a competitive disadvantage against rivals from more politically stable countries.
    Potters in Gharyan face a competitive disadvantage against rivals from more politically stable countries.
  • Potteries in Gharyan essentially stopped developing in the 1980s and are struggling to keep pace with modernisation.
    Potteries in Gharyan essentially stopped developing in the 1980s and are struggling to keep pace with modernisation.
  • Businesses across Libya face daunting logistical challenges and an archaic banking system.
    Businesses across Libya face daunting logistical challenges and an archaic banking system.
  • There's also a lack of basic materials, which potters have to import at high prices, and unstable demand.
    There's also a lack of basic materials, which potters have to import at high prices, and unstable demand.
  • Ceramic pots dry in the sun at a workshop in Gharyan.
    Ceramic pots dry in the sun at a workshop in Gharyan.
  • Ceramic pots are loaded onto a truck.
    Ceramic pots are loaded onto a truck.
  • Locally made ceramics for sale in Gharyan.
    Locally made ceramics for sale in Gharyan.