Developmental Trends in Indigenous Pottery Making at Mfensi, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

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Date
2018-09
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KNUST
Abstract
There are series of revolutionary changes occurring on indigenous pottery production technologies with respect to product forms at different periods of time. Mfensi, is one of Ghana’s indigenous pottery centres. The village is very dynamic in its pottery products and technological practices. This study investigated the developmental trends of the indigenous pottery at Mfensi to assess changes in pottery production technologies, forms, and factors driving the changing trends. The study was qualitative, based on historical research design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select potters for interviews; workshops for observation; and indigenous pottery wares from the 1960s- 1980s periods and 1990s to date were collected for analysis. Findings from the research revealed that indigenous pottery production at Mfensi continues to use wood fuel kilns, hand driven potter’s wheel; drying; packing, and firing techniques remain unchanged, except clay extraction method. In terms of pottery forms, traditional water storage pots and grinding bowls have been complemented by clay stove, incubators and crucibles; water coolers have declined to water jugs and eventually to clay water filters. Mfensi produced one form of flower pots which was smallish, v-shape and biscuit before the 1980s; but in contemporary times, they produce diverse designs: pot, tree, and drum-like shapes which are relatively bigger and tall, standard painting decorations with metal stands. However, changing trends in pottery making are driven by potters’ desire to gain market, modern ceramic technologies, customers’ specifications, and potters innovations and job experiences. The results underscore indigenous pottery being slow to the adoption of modern technologies and improved forms. There is thus the need for value addition, improved quality to meet contemporary standards and consumer needs; whilst government should spearhead the creation of pottery villages; and access to market, modern technologies and financial incentives.
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A thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY IN AFRICAN ART AND CULTURE
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