Reflections on Pottery Art in the Oil Rich Niger Delta Region of Nigeria: A Study of Pottery Art in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States

Abstract

Niger Delta region is very rich in oil and gas deposits, clay, agricultural land, fisheries, extensive forest and other resources. They are nine states which make the region namely, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers. The most oil producing communities among them are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta and Rivers State. Clay is equally found in abundance in all the states like crude oil is found in Niger Delta communities. The available clay mineral in the region has the capacity to transform the nation’s economy if properly utilized. Clay is the basic material for pottery or ceramics production. It is also used to ease the penetration of pipes in drilling of crude oil. This paper looks at the practice of pottery in Niger Delta Area with a focus on pottery practice in both Akwa Ibom and Rivers States. Indigenous and contemporary pottery or ceramics practices in these communities indeed have played vital role in the economic, social religious and cultural ways of life of the people. Clay products such as dinnerware and sanitary wares and others are highly sought for and they have the capacity to boast the national economy as experienced in other nations such as Japan, Italy, Britain, United States of America, India and China among others. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources and were subsequently assessed. The result shows that proper utilization of clay found in Niger Delta has the potential to create numerous job opportunities for the teaming population of youths in the region. The availability of abundant clay in the region, if well harnessed could adequately compete with crude oil exploitation for economic purposes in the region.