THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF INDIGENOUS PRODUCTION: A CASE STUDY OF USHAFA POTTERY, 1991-2012

Abstract

This paper focuses on the history of pottery in Ushafa, its significance to the people, (especially the women) as well as its impact to the people and the development of Ushafa community. The paper aims to enlighten readers on pottery in Ushafa, in hope of reviving the craft of pottery amongst the people of Ushafa as it is gradually going extinct. The study includes the establishment of the Ushafa Pottery Centre and its glory days; awareness would be drawn to the gradual decline of the Ushafa Pottery Centre as it has become a shadow of its old self. The study discovered issues which have led to the decline of the Centre some of which are: lack of government funds, urbanization, and family factor etc. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. Four key informants were interviewed. The study further made recommendations on things to be done in order to revive this craft in Ushafa which would have significant influence on the youths and in the development of the Ushafa community.