Have you ever heard “Kendi Maling” or thief kettle? It was an usual kettle to store water. The form was not special. Only the neck was longer than usual kettle. At glance, it was looked like a display stuff because there was no place for pouring water.

However, if you saw the bottom, there was a hole as big as index finger. Oh, it was the gate to pour water. That was why, it was called thief kettle. The entering gate of the water was not usual, from behind like a thief. When it was full, just put as usual. The water will not come out. Wow!

This kettle was famous for souvenir from Banyumulek, the pottery village in West Lombok. It was about 14 km from Mataram, capital city of Lombok. I went there with couple of my friends and a local friend, by a car.

Actually it was my second visit in Banyumulek. The first time was with my family when I was in High School. I did not really remember because at that time our itinerary was set by the tour guide.

I only remember I made my own pottery vase in my first visiting. But, the place was different. I just found that almost all the house in this village made pottery for living. And I did not know which home that I had visited earlier.

At this time, we visited a pottery gallery. I did not see where they made it. Therefore, we just went around to see the pottery. Except the thief kettle in various size, there were other potteries, such as flower vase, “chicken-shape” piggy bank, cow bell, ashtray in many forms (turtle for example), plate, glass, statue, etc. 

I wanted to buy some, but still hesitate because it was fragile. I was afraid that it will broke because I went home by plane. However, I can not resist the uniqueness. Therefore I bought a thief kettle, “chicken-shape” piggy bank, and the cow bell. When in plane, I take them in my backpack, so I do not have to put in plane luggage. Thanks God, it was safe until my home. 

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