Buyung

Buyung is a Javanese word, primarily used in Indonesia, which refers to an earthenware jar, often rounded or spherical, used for carrying or storing water. These jars are typically unglazed or minimally glazed and porous, allowing for evaporative cooling which keeps the water inside cooler than the ambient temperature.

Buyung are traditionally carried on the head or hip, especially by women, and are an integral part of rural Javanese life, where access to running water is limited. The practice of carrying water in a buyung is often associated with grace, balance, and resilience. While plastic containers have become more prevalent, buyung remain a cultural symbol and are still used in some communities. The size and shape of a buyung can vary regionally.