The state of pottery production among the Ughievwen traditional potters

Abstract

Pottery production has been a high source of income to traditional potters in the times past in Nigeria. Almost every family enjoys the monetary relief this craft offers. In some cultures, the art of pot- making is done by both men and women. However, in others, the craft is left in the hands of women alone. The women single handedly under take all the processes involve from the point of digging of clay, preparation, production and firing of the production of pots. Although in some few cultures men do the digging of the clay but ask the women to pay for their labour. But today, it seems women are drifting from this art of pot production that was very supportive, through which they were able in the direction of sending their children into studying skillful trades such as mechanic, carpentry, auxiliary nursing, hair dressing and tailoring. The women are now taking to production of the crafts such as weaving of fish traps, baskets, and raffia sheets for roofing that were reserved for men and in time past were seen as taboo for women to try their hands on. This paper therefore sorted out the reasons for these recent happenings to the production of pots in the area of study. The points considered include: (a) background of the study, (b) presentation of the methods use to elicit answers from respondents, (c) discussion of the findings, conclusion and recommendations were made on how this imported self-sourcing skill can be resuscitated, and maintained. The method was survey which involved the use of twenty Questionnaire containing ten (10) items that were administered to respondents (women who produce and sell pots) in five (5) of villages where pots are produced. The responses elicited were interpreted to explain the reasons for this change of interest concerning pottery production.