The Effect of the Decline on Pottery in Ghana and Socio-Economic Implications on Potters

Abstract

Demand for pottery in Ghana is declining according to empirical studies and this has socio-eco­nomic implications on the potters. The perpetuation of the potter’s trade is vital to maintaining and preserving humankind’s culture and livelihood. This paper used qualitative and quanti­tative approaches to discuss the effect of the decline in pottery and its socio-economic impli­cations on potters. The study sampled 500 practising potters from four centres in Ashanti and Bono regions of Ghana; Appiadu, Pankrono, Afari and Tanoso. Findings showed that there has been a decline on pottery in Ghana which inadvertently has socio-economic implications on the potters. The study established that there has been a decline in pottery activities. Analyses revealed that there is an appreciable socio-economic variance between potters who solely de­pended on pottery as opposed to others who combined it with other jobs. Location was a highly influential factor in determining the potters’ economic condition (p≤0.05). The effect of the declining demand on retention was highly significant in terms of potter’s willingness to quit or remain in the industry (p<0.05). The paper recommends teaching artists must intervene in developing the skills of these potters, a development of traditional in-depth design exploration through workshops.

Keywords: Pottery, socio-economic effect, pottery centres, potters, clay