ADAPTING KNOTS AND PATTERNS OF UGWUEME COMMUNITY FOR CERAMIC PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Ceramists often encounter a lot of technical challenges in production or in an attempt to decorate or explain an already produced work. Most times, they operate on trial and error basis, not actually aware of the meaning of what they are applying. At times, ceramists make use of clay ropes in designing but cannot explain why they are using them or what they stand for. This situation kills interest and limits the ceramist’s chances of unique production. Ugwueme community is in Awgu Local Government Area in Enugu State of Nigeria. They have a tradition where they make use of Alulu ropes and knots for body adornment especially for the young girls between the ages of 16-25 years. They use the ropes and knots weaved from the back of Alulu shrub to explain a lot about their culture and tradition. This research work aims at transforming the Ugwueme Alulu ropes and knots into clay ropes and knots which were used in ceramic productions of various forms which can as well be historical. Primary (oral interview) and Secondary (internet, records, previous thesis, publications) sources were collected as data for the project. The researchers made use of structured interview to get information and employed experimental research which involves both studio and written work. Qualitative method of evaluation was used. The major findings revealed that most ceramists cannot explain reasons for using clay ropes and knots in designing ceramic works. Many cultural, social, religious, economic and political stories are possible through clay forms, rolls and knots. From the findings of this study, some recommendations were made: that ceramic works made of ropes and knots and used as motifs should be produced in commercial quantity that can be exported to other countries for aesthetics, cultural, social and economic values. Besides, other researchers in practical based areas should use this study as source of inspiration and information for enhancement in their own area of Study.