Indigenous Pottery as Economic Empowerment in Uganda

Abstract

This article presents, in parts, the findings regarding the viability of indigenous knowledge and skills in terms of economical empowerment in third world countries, Uganda in particular. The paper looks at and compares the income derived from indigenous pottery making by craft‐persons, with that of government salaries for graduate teachers of primary and secondary schools in Uganda. The comparison assists to determine the economical viability of indigenous Gisu pottery. The paper also suggests the incorporation of such indigenous crafts into the formal education system so as to encourage research, diversity in the learning of art, design and technology and provide self‐employment avenues relevant to self, community and the Ugandan state. The researchers were four women from different areas of subject specialisation namely, art & design, history and heography.