Abstract The production of traditional earthenware is a prehistorical/archaeological and historical practice among women in Mpraeso, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Although pottery has been a vibrant industry in Mpraeso since prehistorical and historical times, there is little known research or published literature regarding the raw materials used, the lifecycle of the production process, the tools of potting, and the socio-cultural and economic importance of the art. This study investigated the raw materials used, production techniques, and the socio-cultural and economic significance of pottery in Mpraeso to elucidate knowledge on pottery production by women and the symbolism and taboos around making pottery in Mpraeso. The cross-sectional study utilised qualitative techniques to collect data from women potters. The results are presented based on themes related to production processes. Production tools are local rudimentary objects, mostly of wood and metal, and production materials are of two kinds: clay materials and grog extracted from the locality. Pots are formed by the coiling method and open-fired. The pots are used for many domestic chores and for funerals, among other uses. Potting is a primary economic activity for women in Mpraeso. The industry needs to be developed in view of the role it plays in Mpraeso, as it promotes the transmission of culture and the art of pottery production and stimulates the local economy of Ghana.

中文翻译：

---

加纳 Mpraeso 陶艺工艺和生产的生命周期

摘要 传统陶器的生产是加纳东部地区 Mpraeso 妇女的史前/考古和历史实践。尽管自史前和历史时期以来，陶器一直是 Mpraeso 的一个充满活力的行业，但关于所用原材料、生产过程的生命周期、陶器工具以及陶器的社会文化和经济重要性的研究或出版文献鲜为人知。艺术。本研究调查了 Mpraeso 使用的原材料、生产技术以及陶器的社会文化和经济意义，以阐明女性陶器生产的知识以及 Mpraeso 制作陶器的象征意义和禁忌。横断面研究利用定性技术从女性陶艺家那里收集数据。结果是根据与生产过程相关的主题呈现的。生产工具是当地的原始物，主要是木材和金属，生产材料有两种：粘土材料和从当地提取的熟料。锅是通过卷取方法形成并明火。这些锅用于许多家务和葬礼，以及其他用途。盆栽是 Mpraeso 妇女的主要经济活动。鉴于其在 Mpraeso 所发挥的作用，该行业需要发展，因为它促进了文化和陶艺生产艺术的传播，并刺激了加纳当地经济。锅是通过卷取方法形成并明火。这些锅用于许多家务和葬礼，以及其他用途。盆栽是 Mpraeso 妇女的主要经济活动。鉴于其在 Mpraeso 所发挥的作用，该行业需要发展，因为它促进了文化和陶艺生产艺术的传播，并刺激了加纳当地经济。锅是通过卷取方法形成并明火。这些锅用于许多家务和葬礼，以及其他用途。盆栽是 Mpraeso 妇女的主要经济活动。鉴于其在 Mpraeso 所发挥的作用，该行业需要发展，因为它促进了文化和陶艺生产艺术的传播，并刺激了加纳当地经济。