Indigenous pottery at Sirigu: Dialogue on materials, methods and sociocultural significance

Sirigu is a major artistic community in the upper east region of Ghana; its decorative murals have attracted admiration globally. Besides wall paintings, Sirigu women also produce a variety of pottery for domestic, religious and commercial purposes. Although much valued, not much is known about their pottery. This research has studied the raw materials, production techniques, ornamentations and uses of the women’s pottery products at Sirigu. Further, the educational implications of the pottery industry of the Sirigu women have been discussed. Primary data were gathered through field research, including observations and interviews with relevant informants, which were recorded using note-taking, voice recordings and photography. These were complemented and framed through information from secondary sources. Raw materials used are obtained from the immediate environment, are organic in nature and are processed in indigenous ways. The study indicates that the art of pottery making has potential for improving the standard of living of the people, as well as for promoting quality Visual Arts education in Ghana.