The Theoretical and Socio –Cultural Dimensions of Kpando Women’s Pottery

Abstract

Pottery plays a very important role in the indigenous culture of the various ethnic groups in Ghana. At Kpando in the Volta Region, the art of pottery making, the meaning and uses of the artefacts are enshrined in some deep philosophies that permeate the socio-cultural life of the people. However, the rich theoretical and cultural components of the art have not been fully documented, and are not well understood and appreciated. This knowledge gap has rendered this cultural landmark almost invisible in cultural anthropology and native art. This study therefore provides an intellectual review of indigenous pottery production at Kpando with the view to unearth their role in the social sustainability of the indigenous people. The paper takes a critical look at the ontology of the art, clay winning process, pottery production, their usage and associated taboos. The descriptive method of qualitative research was employed for the study. The findings of the study show that traditional pottery production in Kpando is principally women’s art and the artefacts have both theoretical and cultural undertones.

Keywords: Pottery production, native art, theoretical undertone, Kpando women