TY - JOUR
T1 - The Lifecycle of Pottery Art Processes and Production in Mpraeso, Ghana
AU - Kusimi, Bertha Ansaah
AU - Donkor, Augustine Kwame
AU - Ayivor, Jesse Sey
AU - Kyeremeh, Kwaku
AU - Kusimi, John Manyimadin
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Unisa Press.
PY - 2020
Y1 - 2020
N2 - The production of traditional earthenware is a prehistorical/archaeological and historical practice among women in Mpraeso, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Although pottery has been a vibrant industry in Mpraeso since prehistorical and historical times, there is little known research or published literature regarding the raw materials used, the lifecycle of the production process, the tools of potting, and the socio-cultural and economic importance of the art. This study investigated the raw materials used, production techniques, and the socio-cultural and economic significance of pottery in Mpraeso to elucidate knowledge on pottery production by women and the symbolism and taboos around making pottery in Mpraeso. The cross-sectional study utilised qualitative techniques to collect data from women potters. The results are presented based on themes related to production processes. Production tools are local rudimentary objects, mostly of wood and metal, and production materials are of two kinds: clay materials and grog extracted from the locality. Pots are formed by the coiling method and open-fired. The pots are used for many domestic chores and for funerals, among other uses. Potting is a primary economic activity for women in Mpraeso. The industry needs to be developed in view of the role it plays in Mpraeso, as it promotes the transmission of culture and the art of pottery production and stimulates the local economy of Ghana.
AB - The production of traditional earthenware is a prehistorical/archaeological and historical practice among women in Mpraeso, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Although pottery has been a vibrant industry in Mpraeso since prehistorical and historical times, there is little known research or published literature regarding the raw materials used, the lifecycle of the production process, the tools of potting, and the socio-cultural and economic importance of the art. This study investigated the raw materials used, production techniques, and the socio-cultural and economic significance of pottery in Mpraeso to elucidate knowledge on pottery production by women and the symbolism and taboos around making pottery in Mpraeso. The cross-sectional study utilised qualitative techniques to collect data from women potters. The results are presented based on themes related to production processes. Production tools are local rudimentary objects, mostly of wood and metal, and production materials are of two kinds: clay materials and grog extracted from the locality. Pots are formed by the coiling method and open-fired. The pots are used for many domestic chores and for funerals, among other uses. Potting is a primary economic activity for women in Mpraeso. The industry needs to be developed in view of the role it plays in Mpraeso, as it promotes the transmission of culture and the art of pottery production and stimulates the local economy of Ghana.
KW - Mpraeso
KW - ceramic
KW - clay materials
KW - lifecycle of pottery
KW - potting tools
KW - traditional pottery
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85148984313&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/00043389.2020.1805849
DO - 10.1080/00043389.2020.1805849
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85148984313
SN - 0004-3389
VL - 55
SP - 70
EP - 94
JO - De Arte
JF - De Arte
IS - 3
ER -