Cultural Evolution in Clay: A Comparative Analysis of Indigenous Pottery Trajectories in Northern Ghana and South Korea

This study explores the contrasting evolutionary trajectories and preservation outcomes of indigenous pottery traditions in Northern Ghana and South Korea from the mid-1970s to the present. Pottery, a transformative Neolithic innovation, embodies both cultural identity and utilitarian value. Yet, modernisation, globalisation, and shifting social priorities pose significant threats to its continuity. Unlike much scholarship that treats traditions in isolation, this research adopts a cross-cultural comparative framework to theories mechanisms of cultural evolution. It juxtaposes Northern Ghana’s community-based, ritual-oriented model now strained by urbanisation and economic displacement with South Korea’s institutionalised, state-driven approach, which integrates technological innovation and heritage policy to foster resilience. Through this design, the study highlights the socio-political, economic, and institutional conditions shaping the sustainability of intangible cultural heritage. Findings reveal how modernity differently impacts artistic practice, economic viability, and identity preservation across contexts. By clarifying these dynamics, the research contributes to theoretical models of cultural evolution while offering practical insights for heritage policy. Ultimately, it underscores the need for adaptive strategies that balance tradition and innovation, ensuring indigenous crafts remain vital cultural resources in a rapidly globalising world.