Documentation of Some Identified Functions and Contexts of Traditional Pottery in Northern Ghana

Aims: The intent of this research was to observe and document some identified traditional pottery functions and contexts in some parts of northern Ghana.

Study Design: Due to the peculiar nature of the research, the qualitative research methods were adopted for the study with the aiming of assembly necessary details requisite for a good description of the functions and contexts of the pottery.

Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study was to make a field trip to seven selected traditional potting centre in northern Ghana, to collect data in relation to context and functions of the potteries. These centres include Zubulga, Palnaba, Tuggo, Sirigu, Naakpili, Lugshigu and Kukuo.

Methodology: 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), seven were selected as the representative population. The criteria for inclusion were based on: the geographical location and how it affects the decorative techniques of the traditional pottery; the variety in the use of tools, materials and methods and availability of clay as the main material in the area. This research was designed to identify and document the traditional pottery functions and contexts of the pots. The objectives therefore were: to observe, comparatively analyze and record some purposively selected traditional pottery functions and contexts in some parts of northern Ghana. The descriptive approach of the qualitative research methodology was employed. Interview and observational were used as the data collection methods. They were used to ascertain data that were analyzed to conclude on the traditional pottery functions and contexts by the potters in the selected areas of northern Ghana.

Results: The data analyzes indicated that the potters make interesting patterns of decorative techniques: Specifically, nine functions and contexts were identified and documented by the researchers at the time of their studies. Studies made by the researchers clearly shows that traditional pottery found in northern Ghana are generally produced based on domestic functions, religious functions, and functions related to rites of passage. On the flip side of the coin, contexts of traditional pottery found at potting centres in northern Ghana included the courtyards, bedrooms, bathrooms, graveyards and the kitchens of their owners.

Conclusion: Evidently, it can be concluded that, since not all forty-one districts pottery centres were covered, some of the traditional pottery functions and contexts in northern Ghana has been left undocumented. It is therefore recommended that the study should continue in the rest of the areas.