Abstract:
Traditional pottery has been very significant in understanding the culture of various societies. This is why many scholars have focused attention on its study. However, most of these studies lay emphasis on the general society rather than individual artists who practise the art form. In fact, very little or no attention is given to the individual potters who excel in this highly creative profession. One of these potters is Zuyari Zainab Gomina, a traditional Gui potter, whose artistic maturity and standard are peerless in her community. Zuyari is, therefore, an embodiment of the Gui traditional pottery. However, unfortunately, her professional activities are still shrouded in anonymity. For this reason, this research was geared towards presenting an in-depth documentation of the potter's professional life. A survey of other traditional potters in the community as well as changes and prospects in their professional practice are also examined. The aesthetic, functional, historical, stylistic and technical approaches were employed in the course of the study. The research, in essence, brings to limelight the unique formalistic and functionalistic nature of Zuyari Gomina's works. It discovered that despite an unswerving approach to traditional art practice, Zuyari's profession is largely faced with the challenge of extinction, as a result of low patronage and appreciation.
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