Makkah:Pottery, once an indispensable part of daily life in Makkah, served various practical purposes in traditional homes, such as storing and cooling water, preserving food, and serving meals. This was before the advent of electrical appliances and modern kitchenware transformed it from a household staple into a heritage item that evokes memories of a bygone era.

According to Saudi Press Agency, earthenware in Makkah came in various shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific function. One of the most prominent items was the zeer, a large clay jar used for storing drinking water. Its porous walls allowed water to seep to the surface and evaporate, cooling the contents inside—a valuable feature in Makkah's hot climate prior to the introduction of refrigerators and water coolers. Smaller vessels, known as mashrabiyat, were strategically placed for easy access, allowing family members and guests to help themselves to a drink, thus integrating them into household hospitality.

Clay containers were also used to store food and other provisions, and earthenware dishes served meals until stainless steel, glass, and ceramic kitchenware became widely available. With the introduction of electricity, refrigerators, and water coolers, the reliance on pottery for daily needs diminished, as these modern appliances provided easier and cleaner options for keeping food and water cool.

Today, earthenware vessels are appreciated for their aesthetic value, often used as decorative pieces in majlis rooms, entryways, and corners of homes. They contribute a heritage character that reflects traditional Makkah life and represent material heritage worth documenting. These items showcase the skills of traditional craftspeople and demonstrate how families adapted to their environment, offering new generations a glimpse into the tools that played a crucial role in their ancestors' lives.