This Authentic and Traditional Olla De Barro Pot holds up to 6.5 Quarts and is perfect for Beans De LA Oya, Chili Beans, Chiles, or even as a Canterito for your favorite cocktail refreshments on a hot day out. Either way you use this Olla, it serves to be versatile for your kitchen and cooking needs. Olla is made of 100 % Lead-Free and safe to use Barro. Barro literally means "mud" but generally means "clay," This beautifully hand-crafted and hand-painted Olla is made by artisans living in the Oaxacan highlands. The red clay is gathered from the surrounding hills. Bits of wood, stone and corn are used as tools to mould the clay on a traditional banding wheel. The pottery is burnished using a stone and brush to give it a smooth unglazed finish. Finally it is pit fired under corrugated metal with wood, sawdust and cardboard. This Olla made of earthenware or "clay" maybe glazed inside or out (or both) then fired over low heat. The results are earthy, stunning and a pleasure to use. Clay has been traditionally used in Mexican cooking because the clay imparts a specific flavor to the foods that can't be reproduced in a metal pot. Before use, be sure to cure by using a simple seasoning process before you use. Fill with water and place it over a direct flame. Allow the water to boil for a few minutes then remove from the heat and discard. Do this twice. Olla has a beautiful shiny brown interior finish with an upper exterior finish of shiny brown to match on the outside as well. Add a bit of Mexican pottery to your table with this gorgeous pot. The special and authentic hand shaping of the Barro makes them unique in proportion. An element that makes handmade so beautifully perfect. There are no breaks, but please keep in mind that this clay material is hand handled, shaped and made; minimal chipping is natural. Pot is ready for use and certainly to add a bit of Mexican style decor to any table setting or folk kitchen. You aren't just buying a pot, but Artistry.