The Role of Women Potters in Preserving “Putaran Miring” As Traditional Tools

The women who crafted pottery (potters) in Melikan were born from the social structure of the peasant community. Apart from acting as a housewife (domestic), they also contribute to improving the family economy (public) by making pottery. It is hoped that women potters in Melikan are currently working with men to develop the family economy and preserve existing local wisdom. Women potters in Melikan must increase their knowledge, abilities, skills, the greatness of soul, and nobility. The purpose of this research is to reveal and explore the social structure of women potters in Melikan related to the culture of making pottery with a “putaran miring”. By examining women's social structure in Melikan, they can find their social status with men in the family and society. The methodology used in this research is phenomenology, which is looking for the life experiences of women potters in Melikan, which are then used as the database for existing realities. This study concludes that the social structure of women potters in Melikan gradually began to change. Starting from the domestic role as a housewife, she then developed into a public economic role, as a woman who can find the source of her economy, namely as a potter with “putaran” miring tools. The results obtained can be useful for the family. Oblique turns that the work can be useful for the family. The findings of this study are that women potters in Melikan can become partners for men, not only in the family sphere but also in society. Women are also able to organize and interact with all groups regardless of status. Encouragement, moral assistance, and understanding from men are essential for mutual progress.