Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Cabo Verde, traditional pottery stands as a testament to the island nation's rich cultural heritage. It's not just a craft; it's an intangible treasure that weaves together history, identity, and economic potential. In this project, we delve into the world of traditional pottery to understand its socio-economic and cultural significance, especially in the context of rural development and sustainable tourism.
Empowering Communities Through Traditional Pottery
In Cabo Verde, traditional pottery has played a pivotal role in empowering female potters and rural communities. These talented artisans hold the ancestral knowledge of shaping clay into beautiful, functional pieces. Currently, there are three primary production centers for traditional craftsmanship in the country, namely Fonte Lima in Santa Catarina, Trás-os-Montes in Tarrafal de Santiago, and Rabil on the island of Boa Vista. These communities predominantly rely on agriculture and livestock as their primary economic activities, with traditional pottery adding a unique flavor to their localities.
Traditional Pottery: A Cultural and Economic Anchor
As a form of intangible heritage, traditional pottery, in the scope of this project, is recognized as female craftsmanship with immense potential for sustainable development in the identified production centers. This endeavor aims to spotlight the crucial role of gender in the entire cycle of clay pottery production and marketing. Simultaneously, it doesn't overlook the profound impact of pottery on the social, cultural, and economic aspects of local families.
Exploring the Craft from Clay to Creation
Our research journey involved a comprehensive examination of the pottery production cycle, beginning with the collection of clay and culminating in the final stage – commercialization. Throughout this process, we strived to capture the ethnographic dimensions of production and the profound symbolic elements interwoven with memories.
Safeguarding Our Heritage
The preservation of traditional pottery is at the heart of this project. It seeks to implement various structural strategies, including the construction of an "Interpretive Center for Traditional Pottery." This center will serve as a hub for learning and appreciation, allowing both locals and visitors to explore the intricate world of traditional pottery.
Moreover, the project aims to publish catalogs and produce video content to document and share the artistry of Cabo Verdean pottery. The development of community-based inventories will serve as invaluable tools for assessing the context of production, transmission challenges, and intervention plans. These steps are crucial in ensuring the continuity of traditional pottery as a vibrant cultural activity for generations to come.
A Collective Effort Towards Preservation
The Cultural Heritage Institute, in collaboration with the Santa Catarina Municipal Council, UNESCO, and the dedicated female potters, has embarked on this journey to safeguard and celebrate Cabo Verde's traditional pottery. The publication of the catalog is on the horizon, promising to shed light on the incredible artistry and craftsmanship involved.
Under the auspices of UNESCO, the project envisions conducting workshops to train young individuals from the locality and surrounding areas in the practice of this craft. By passing on this invaluable knowledge, we ensure that traditional pottery continues to thrive as a cultural heritage asset, uniting communities, and preserving a piece of Cabo Verde's soul for generations to come.
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