Documentation of Some Identified Traditional Pottery Decorative Techniques in Northern Ghana

Aims: This research was designed to reveal and document some identified traditional pottery decorative techniques in some parts of northern Ghana.

Study Design: For this research, the qualitative research design was adopted.

Place and Duration of Study: the researcher made a field trip to three selected traditional potting centres in northern Ghana. They included Sirigu, Lugshigu and Kukuo, between May 2013 and August 2013.

Methodology: This research was designed to reveal and document some identified indigenous pottery decorative techniques in some parts of northern Ghana. The objectives therefore were: to identify and record some traditional pottery decorative techniques in some parts of northern Ghana. The detailed approach to the qualitative research methodology was employed. Interview and observational methods were used as the data collection methods. They were used to ascertain data necessary for recording some identified traditional pottery decorative techniques in northern Ghana. The data were then analysed, and the indications were that the potters make interesting patterns of decorative techniques.

Results: Out of a total of 41 districts (that is, 20 in the northern region, 11 in the upper west region and 10 in the upper east region), three were selected as the representative population. The criteria for inclusion were based on: the geographical location and how it affects the decorative techniques of traditional pottery; the variety in the use of tools, materials and methods and availability of clay as the primary material in the area. Specifically, seven decorative techniques were identified and documented by the researchers at the time of their studies. These included: incision, impression, painting, smoking, modelling, perforation, and macramé.

Conclusion: Evidently, it can be concluded that some of the traditional pottery decorative techniques in northern Ghana has been left undocumented.