Economic Influence of the Practice of Pottery on Local Progress: The Pottery Centers of the Lacs District of Central Côte d'Ivoire as a Case Study

Abstract

Pottery is an activity that has its origins in the Neolithic period. It allows producers to find a way to live. This traditional activity is considered an income-generating activity. Traditional pottery is an economic activity practiced by women. The examines pottery art practices of the Lake district through examination of potters’ techniques and development of their production. The study show characteristics of the pottery production of two ethnic groups and the impacts of pottery production on local development. To better understand our subject we adopted both a qualitative and quantitative approach. The responses from this research show at first glance that there are two ethnic groups producing traditional pottery in the Lakes district: the Baoulés (81%) and the Mangoros (19%) with different characteristics in their production. Then, the potters of the said district are not organized into a cooperative or association. And finally, the revenues from the factories are used to improve the living conditions of households.