Exploring the Symbolic Meanings and Cultural Significance of Pottery in Africa

Abstract

Western scholarship and media have often emphasized the negative aspects of African culture, frequently employing terms such as “barbaric” or “outdated.” These portrayals, whether deliberate or uninformed, neglect the imperfections of Western societies and perpetuate a biased understanding of global cultural realities. This review article challenges such imbalances by examining the symbolic meanings and cultural significance of pottery in African traditions through the lens of hegemonic theory. Focusing on selected regions in Western, Northern and Eastern Nigeria, the study explores the types of clay pots used by worshippers, the processes of molding and design, and the individual and communal taboos that govern their creation and use. It further highlights emerging trends in pottery that mirror traditional religious clay pots, situating them within the dynamics of contemporary Nigerian society. By assessing the adaptability of these cultural artifacts in an era of rapid technological advancement, the article underscores the resilience of African traditions and their capacity to evolve while retaining symbolic depth and cultural relevance