Pottery as Traditional Occupation of Kumbaran: Emerging Trends and Concerns

Abstract

Kumbaran is the potter community found in Kerala. Traditionally, they follow pottery as their livelihood. It is not only a traditional occupation for them, rather pottery is connected with their religion, culture and everyday life. Recent trends show an occupational shift in the community from pottery to various other professions. Yet there is a considerable number of members who work hard for the revival of their traditional occupation. However, a question on the continuity of traditional occupation has been a matter of concern for the past one decade. This paper is focusing on factors leading to the occupational shift in the community. This study is also tries to understand the current state of the traditional occupation of Kumbaran along with the concerns of its members. Qualitative methods have been implemented to comprehend data to support objectives of this study.