The Apotoyowa (Grinding Bowl) of Ghana
Urbanisation, industrialisation and other forms of modern developments have ushered in new ways of living that have greatly challenged much of traditional African pottery forms and their uses. Since the first quarter of the 20th century, African markets have been flooded with industrially mass-produced products such as enamel, plastic, china and aluminium wares.1 These products, especially enamel pans and aluminium pots, were found to be lighter to use and more durable. In the case of china wares, the people found them to be more hygienic and colourful. Yet traditional pottery has continued, to date, to thrive in spite of the challenges posed by these modern products.