Clay Pots and Rim-First Pottery Technology (Igbati) in Erusu-Akoko, Nigeria: A Study of Material Knowledge and Thermal Performance

In the Erusu-Akoko community of Ondo State, pottery persists as a specialized, female-led knowledge system that integrates geological awareness with sophisticated manual engineering. This paper documents the rare “rim-first” (igbati) vessel formation technique, a method that distinguishes Erusu-Akoko from many other West African ceramic traditions. Drawing on longitudinal research (2022–2025) initiated under Geeceetee International and finalized by Ahujesu Enterprise, the study examines the cognitive and physical processes involved in clay selection, downward coil building, and open-air firing. The paper argues that the survival of this technology depends on the preservation of the igbati sequence, which is currently at risk due to the aging population of practitioners, ecological pressures, and the influx of industrial alternatives. By situating Erusu-Akoko pottery within broader discussions of indigenous material science and craft endangerment, this study contributes to the documentation of endangered ceramic knowledge systems.