Clay, Culture, and Crisis: The Traditional Pottery Craft of Northern Kerala

Abstract (English)

This paper explores the traditional craft of pottery making in Northern Kerala, a state in southern part of India, through ethnographic fieldwork conducted in local pottery workshops. It examines the entire production process, including clay sourcing, preparation techniques, shaping methods, firing technologies, and the design of cooking vessels. The study emphasises the continuity of ancestral knowledge and highlights the creative adaptations made by artisans to address evolving demands in an increasingly modernised world.
Despite their expertise, potters face significant challenges. Environmental regulations restricting access to traditional clay sources have forced artisans to source raw materials at high costs, while minimal government support for the craft has left artisans without adequate resources or market linkages. As a result, the profession has become economically unsustainable, leading to a decline in interest among younger generations who are abandoning the craft, threatening its continuity. In the context of globalization, this paper critically examines how potters are navigating these socio-economic and environmental pressures. The study underscores the need for urgent, targeted policy interventions to protect this endangered heritage craft and ensure its transmission to future generations, thus preserving the rich cultural heritage of Kerala’s pottery traditions.