They are great for serving small portions of soup, beans, or other small side dishes. Since they are oven and microwave safe, they perform great for au gratin dishes and their stark black color provide for a stunning presentation. Completely natural and safe, contains no toxins or lead. 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. Additional Details ------------------------------ Bullet point: Made of natural unglazed clay and completely safe and toxins free. Clay is one of the most abundant natural material on earth. Its composition of minerals and metals on it are similar to those found in the human body. Therefore, all the utensils made of clay are ideal for culinary use. Product description: They are great for serving small portions of soup, beans, or other small side dishes. Since they are oven and microwave safe, they perform great for au gratin dishes and their stark black color provide for a stunning presentation. Completely natural and safe, contains no toxins or lead. 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.