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Traditional Brick Making

Robert Watcher

Well-known member
For several years I have been wanting to take a photo series of brick and tile makers working with their traditional methods of laying the formed mud out in the sun - but have never come across the opportunity until now.

There were several operations in Nicaragua, but they were in more remote areas or were inaccessible - but more often hesitant to approach and ask on my own —— a little like thinking twice before entering a huge auto wrecker, not knowing what is behind the walls.

Driving on a rural highway with Salvadorian friends recently, we stopped on the side of the road to see if there was anyone around this abandoned looking property with what looked like a large dilapidated building that probably was used for kilning bricks. A fellow walked out to see what I was up to, and informed me that workers were back behind the kiln. I asked I could talk photos of them working.

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Robert Watcher

Well-known member
Traditional brick making. The mud used is a mix of earth and white sand. At least 15 days drying the bricks in the sun. When they have 1,600 bricks collected in the kiln, they fire it up and cure them.




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Robert Watcher

Well-known member
I am so impressed, Robert.

Did you get to see the kiln and how is it fired? Wood or gas or electricity?

Asher


The kiln is the old rickety building in the pictures. The man is stacking sun dried bricks in it. I have a picture of another kiln bellowing smoke that we passed the same. That is you are able to see - a big old brick building with smoke pouring out of the openings in the roof and entryway.
 

Asher Kelman

OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
I can’t exaggerate how pleased I am to see a renewal of the photo-essay on “Work”

We have great contributions in the past and your work her reminds me how important this is. August Sander in the Third Reich made important images of archetypical workers. You are showing the actual process of the work itself!

Asher
 

Asher Kelman

OPF Owner/Editor-in-Chief
Robert,

Did you manage to talk to them about the destination of the bricks. Is it essentially for local use or do they truck it to other towns too?

Is this unique to your area or do you think such brick making springs up everywhere in South America?

Asher
 
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