Jebena

The advantage of the earthenware flask over metal and glass coffee-pots is that it keeps the liquid hot for a longer period of time.

In Ethiopia, a small pottery cup called a sini or finjal is used to contain the coffee poured from the jebena.

[3] It is considered a staple household object in Ethiopia, with decorations and designs being used to represent social status.

There is a small restaurant in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, made in an image of an Ethiopian jebena figure.

[9] On each occasion, the woman preparing the bunna will announce to all persons in the household that it is taking place, and will invite people to enjoy the ritual before beginning to roast the beans and starting the process of making coffee in the jebena.

Its shape and design are reflective of the ethnic identity of the host, whether it has a large bottom or an additional spout to pour out the coffee.

While certain elements of the coffee ceremony can be tweaked, modernized or all together left out, the jebena has remained the center piece throughout Ethiopia and abroad.

The base of the jebena is normally large and circular, with a flat bottom so that it can balance on the surfaces without falling over.

It is normally placed on a small decorative cloth throne or on hay to stop its base, which has usually just been exposed to flames, from burning anything.

There is also normally a plug at the top, made of cloth, straw or clay, to stop any water from spilling out.

The matriarch or the youngest woman of a household is traditionally the person who initiates the bunna ceremony and begins the process of preparing the coffee beans to be brewed in the jebena.

[12] After the beans have been roasted and ground, which can take up to forty five minutes, the coffee is brewed in the jebena and served in three separate stages.

[6] While the coffee is being prepared in the jebena, a woman will often light incense to create a more relaxing atmosphere in the home, and to further complete the ritual of the bunna ceremony.