Similar to the pots used by Meso-American People, our Pre-Columbian Style Tea Pot, or Alcarraza, is a beautiful addition to any La Chamba collection. Originally these pots were actually used to keep liquids cool. Their design caused the liquids to slowly seep through the clay and slowly evaporated when they were hung in cool drafty shaded spots. The evaporation would actually lower the temperature of the Alcarraza and therefore its contents. Today, it can be used not only to serve cools liquids, but also for making or serving coffee or tea, and makes an impressive presentation. Length 8.5 in (handles included), Width 7.75 in (exterior measurments), Height 10 in (including handle), Capacity 1.5 qt (filled comfortably without overflowing). Completely natural and safe, contains no toxins or lead and the porous nature of the clay allows the slow evaporation of steam, keeping the food healthy, tasty and moist. Will last many years with proper use and care (each piece comes with a product information sheet outlining the Uses and Care for the product). Black Clay, La Chamba Cookware, is well-known and used throughout Colombia in restaurants and homes for preparing and serving traditional dishes. Its origins can be traced back at least 700 years to vases and pitchers found in pre-Columbian archaeological sites. It is still made in the traditional manner, by families in a small village on the banks of the Magdalena River in Central Colombia. Each piece is hand-made using local area clays, then hand burnished with a stone. The pieces are then fired in the village, giving them the distinctive black color and elegant look.