What to Buy in Pomaire: Clay Crafts and the Piggy Bank
Last updated: September 2026 | Reading time: 7 minutes
Going to Pomaire and not taking home a piece of clay pottery is almost impossible. This pottery village in the Melipilla district is famous for its red-clay crafts, worked by hand by artisans of several generations. In this guide we tell you what to buy in Pomaire, reference prices, how to spot good-quality clay and how to care for it and transport it.
The clay piggy bank, Pomaire's icon
The clay piggy bank is Pomaire's most emblematic souvenir and a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chile. It is made by hand with local clay and is the perfect gift: affordable, traditional and easy to carry. You will find it in all sizes, from miniatures to large signature pieces.
What to buy: the most sought-after pieces
- Clay piggy bank: The classic. Ideal as a gift or keepsake.
- Clay pots and dishes: For cooking cazuelas, pastel de choclo and baked dishes with a traditional flavour.
- Pans and plates: Handmade tableware to serve with a country style.
- Jugs, bowls and cups: Everyday utilitarian pieces.
- Planters and large jars: For the garden or as decoration, in large formats.
- Figures and ornaments: Decorative pieces and handmade animal figures.
Reference prices 2026
These ranges are indicative and vary depending on size, detail and workshop:
| Piece | Approx. price (CLP) |
|---|---|
| Piggy bank (small) | from $2,000 |
| Large / signature piggy bank | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Clay pot or dish | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Handmade tableware set | $30,000 – $80,000 |
| Planters and garden pieces | $5,000 – $40,000 |
| Signature decorative pieces | $15,000 – $150,000 |
How to spot good-quality clay
- Even surface: No visible cracks or bubbles; the edges should be well finished.
- Sound: When you tap it gently, a well-fired piece sounds clean, not dull.
- Balanced weight: Neither too fragile nor excessively heavy for its size.
- Handmade: Handcrafted pieces have small unique variations; that is part of their value.
How to cure and care for clay pots
If you buy pots or dishes for cooking, cure them before the first use so they last:
- Soak the piece in water for several hours (ideally overnight).
- Dry it and rub the inside with a clove of garlic (optional, the traditional method).
- Heat it gradually, never over high heat all at once, to prevent it from cracking.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes (do not go from cold to direct heat).
How to transport clay
Clay is fragile. So that it arrives home intact:
- Ask them to wrap it well in paper or bubble wrap.
- Transport it cushioned and in a stable position, not loose in the trunk.
- Buy at the end of the tour so you don't carry fragile pieces all day.
- For large or delicate pieces, ask about shipping to Santiago: several workshops offer it.
See craft workshops and shops
You can see the village's craft workshops and shops in our local directory:
🏺 See pottery workshops in the directory
And if you want to learn more about the craft and its history, visit our section on pottery in Pomaire.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a clay piggy bank cost in Pomaire?
A small piggy bank starts from $2,000 CLP. Larger or signature sizes can cost between $5,000 and $20,000 CLP.
Can you haggle in Pomaire?
Prices are generally fixed, but when buying several pieces or directly from the artisan there is sometimes room for a better price. Ask kindly.