Decline of Traditional Pottery Practice among the Afizere of Naton-Doss in Plateau State of Nigeria

Abstract

Described in this paper is how certain changes have affected the practice of traditional pottery of the Afizere cultural group in the village settlement of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. It gives a brief background history of the existence of the Afizere cultural community and, how intergroup relationship between the community and other cultural groups around them has influenced Afizere culture. Also considered are variables such as: the numerical strength of the Afizere community in relation to that of the other cultural groups around them; the impact of Islam and Christianity; the impact of Western system of education and the influx of modern facilities in the area as the prevailing problems militating against the practice of traditional pottery technique among the Afizere community. Thus, suggestions are made, that may encourage the younger generation of this particular cultural community to develop appreciable interest in their traditional pottery heritage and, avail themselves of the cottage or selfemployment, and tourism potentials with which pottery production is known.