Aiming to pioneer a revolution in the Ghanaian pottery industry, this study explores the largely untapped potential of vegetable tanned leather for pot production, a practice traditionally dominated by clay, cement, and metal materials.
The focus is on manipulating this durable and flexible material - indigenous tanned leather - to create pots that offer a distinctive blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. Through a qualitative research approach involving in-depth interviews and observations, this study engaged with a diverse group of respondents from the Tamale Metropolis - including producers, sellers, users, and leather studies experts. The findings underscore the effectiveness of indigenous leather as an alternative material for contemporary pot production, heralding a wealth of untapped opportunities in Ghana's leatherwork industry. The study offers a strong case for reconceptualizing leather's conventional uses in the production of items such as bags, sandals, and footrests, to include pot production. This paradigm shift is set to stimulate human resource development, promote sustainable practices, and drive innovation in the country's pottery sector.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. METHODOLOGY
2.1 Preparing the leather for Modeling
3. PROCEDURES
4. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
5. Conclusions
5.4 Recommendations
Objectives & Themes
The primary aim of this research is to investigate the potential of indigenous vegetable-tanned leather as a viable, alternative material for pot production in Ghana, moving beyond its traditional use for bags and footwear. By applying leather-moulding techniques, the study seeks to reduce the heavy reliance on clay and metal materials while providing new opportunities for the local leatherwork industry.
- Investigation of leather as a sustainable and aesthetic substitute for pottery materials.
- Application of the "cuir bouilli" (leather moulding) technique for three-dimensional vessel creation.
- Evaluation of physical leather properties such as flexibility, durability, and workability.
- Analysis of studio-based experimental methods to standardize leather-moulding procedures.
- Development of recommendations for leatherworker training and industrial capacity building in Ghana.
Excerpt from the Book
INTRODUCTION
Vegetable tanned Leather, a common traditional product, is produced in indigenous tanneries in the northern and southern parts of Ghana for all kinds of leather work activities by craftsmen in Tamale, Wa and Kumasi. Historically, Leather is a common traditional product produced in indigenous tanneries in the Northern Ghana. Besides the abundance of leather and its conventional usage, the study is to experiment on using leather for the production of pots.
It is believed that the recognition of leather industry in Ghana is several years old, although its practice might have been introduced by trading settlers or indigenes that had existed already in areas such as Salaga and Yendi in the northern part of Ghana as a result of trans-Saharan trade. The tanner basically uses vegetable tanning which is the most traditional, classical and recognizable as compared to the rest of the tanning methods. The natural tannins bind with the proteins in the skin, convert it into the leather and give it unique characteristics used to create items such as sandals, bags, hats, belts and so on. The leather industry also provided employment for a great number of people in its countless specialized areas such as tanning, curing, beaming as well as processing it into different forms of leather articles, such as upholstery, clothing and containers. Besides the numerous uses of leather, its engagement in pot production is unknown to Ghanaian craft industries.
In the African continent, traditional pots are thoroughly associated with the social past of the continent even to the present times; however, they are usually made from clay, metals and timber.
Summary of Chapters
INTRODUCTION: This chapter contextualizes the traditional leather industry in Ghana and identifies the research gap regarding the underutilization of leather for creating functional containers like pots.
METHODOLOGY: This section details the studio-based experimental approach used to test the effectiveness of leather, including specifics on raw material preparation and tanning processes.
PROCEDURES: This chapter outlines the hands-on design process, from selecting experts for consultation to the practical fabrication steps involving templates, mould support, and adhesive application.
DISCUSSION OF RESULTS: This section evaluates the physical transformation of leather during the moulding process, noting how different hide sections influence the structure, durability, and aesthetic outcome of the pots.
Conclusions: The final chapter summarizes the research findings, confirming that leather is a viable material for aesthetic pots while addressing challenges like odor and structural limitations.
5.4 Recommendations: This subsection advocates for increased financial support for local tanners and suggests curriculum changes in arts education to incorporate leather-moulding techniques.
Keywords
Leather, Production, Manipulating, Alternative Material, Pots, Vegetable Tanning, Ghana, Leatherwork, Craftsmanship, Cuir Bouilli, Sustainability, Industrial Design, Material Science, Artistic Innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research explores the potential of using indigenous vegetable-tanned leather to produce pots, offering an alternative material to the traditional use of clay, cement, or metals in the Ghanaian craft industry.
What are the primary themes addressed in the work?
The study covers leather properties, traditional tanning methods, experimental material moulding (cuir bouilli), and the expansion of the leather industry towards new product categories.
What is the main research objective?
The primary goal is to evaluate if indigenous leather can be effectively manipulated to serve as a durable and aesthetic substitute for pots, thereby increasing local manufacturing opportunities.
Which scientific methodology does the author utilize?
The researcher employs a studio-based Experimental Research Method, incorporating interviews, observations, and iterative design testing to assess the physical and aesthetic outcomes of leather pot production.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the work?
The main body details the tanning process (utilizing Acacia nilotica), the specific techniques for shaping and tempering leather, and a critical discussion of the results regarding structural integrity and odour mitigation.
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include Leather, Production, Manipulating, Alternative Material, Pots, and Cuir Bouilli, representing the intersection of traditional craft and modern material experimentation.
How does the secondary treatment help make the leather better for pot production?
The secondary treatment is crucial for removing the offensive odour inherent in raw hides and reinforcing the leather’s thickness to make it more suitable for maintaining the complex shapes required for pots.
What role does the "cuir bouilli" technique play here?
It is the core moulding technique adopted from global traditions, allowing the leather to be soaked, shaped, and then dried at a controlled temperature to harden into a permanent, three-dimensional form.
Why did the researcher choose to involve local experts?
Expert input from tanners and designers was deemed essential to ensure that the material preparation and the resulting pot designs met professional quality standards and were technically viable for further development.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Seidu Abdulai Napodoo (Autor:in), Harnessing the Potential of Vegetable Tanned Leather for Pot Production in Ghana. An Untapped Resource for a Sustainable Future, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1364015
