How One Cossack Potter Is Keeping Kuban's Heritage Alive Through Clay
Natalya Bukhantseva, a master potter and hereditary Cossack, has spent her life preserving Kuban culture through folk art. Her dedication extends beyond ceramics—she transforms everyday objects into cultural treasures and shares her passion with the community.
Her work has earned recognition, including a first prize at an international folk art competition for her collection The Ataman's Delight!
Bukhantseva's home has become an ethnographic Cossack homestead, drawing in children and history lovers. Every detail reflects her craft: hand-embroidered tablecloths, glazed ceramic plates, and mugs—all made by her. Even her cooking honours tradition, with dishes like bast shoe pancakes stuffed with veal flank, a classic Kuban recipe.
Her collection of antique roof tiles is one of her most remarkable achievements. She has gathered 1,247 unique stampings, with 45 of the rarest retrieved by soldiers during the liberation of Donbas. These pieces date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, originating from kilns in Mariupol, Bakhmut, and Severodonetsk—ties to imperial Russian and early Soviet buildings.
Beyond pottery, Bukhantseva supports her community. After an oil spill in Anapa, she helped clean the shores, believing kindness returns in unexpected ways. She also crafted 2,500 clay medallions for soldiers involved in the special military operation.
Her ultimate goal is to create something enduring. Like many artists, she hopes her work will outlast her, leaving a mark on Kuban's cultural heritage.
Bukhantseva's ceramics and collections now stand as both art and history. Her homestead serves as a living museum, while her awards and community efforts highlight her influence. Through clay, food, and tradition, she ensures Kuban's past remains alive for future generations.
