THE ROLE OF MECHANICAL TECHNIQUES USED IN PRODUCING CERAMIC WARES AT MTSIFA MAKERERE UNIVERSITY IN MITIGATING THE CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS BELIEFS TOWARDS LOCAL POTS

Abstract

The study was meant to examine the role of mechanized methodology used in pottery production (pottery industry) in producing ceramic wares at MTSIFA Makerere University in mitigating the negative cultural and religious beliefs towards the local pots. The study is important for the development of alternative production methods that are seen to support the local (cultural) ceramics industry and the pottery at large. This study was based on the following objectives in relation to the study topic; To explore the role of ceramic wares produced at MTSIFA -Makerere University using mechanical methodology and those produced using local methods in the development of Uganda; To establish the role of ceramic wares produced using local methods and how they relate with the ones produced using mechanical methodology at MTSIFA- Makerere University in reducing the negative cultural and religious beliefs towards the local pots; and To evaluate how the functions of ceramic wares produced using mechanical methodology at MTSIFA- Makerere University and those produced using local methods in reducing the negative cultural and religious beliefs towards the pots. The key theories and practices indeed indicate the link between history and new developments in any serious production industry. The researcher used qualitative and quantitative data collection methods, which included observations of fifteen undergraduate students, capturing of photos from the field, interviewing of fifteen students that included first years, second and third years, and three administrators at the Margaret Trowell School of industrial and fine arts, Makerere University. The researcher found out that at least 90% of the students interviewed (15 students) and the administrators (3) knew the role of mechanical techniques used in producing ceramic wares at MTSIFA Makerere University in mitigating the cultural and religious beliefs towards the local pots. In conclusion, since the mechanical techniques for example the technique of using a potter’s wheel have been adopted at MTSIFA -Margaret Trowell School of industrial and fine arts Makerere University, the researcher believes that they will help in mitigating the cultural and religious beliefs towards the local pots.