An Ethnoarchaeological Study of Pottery Traditions in the Gambia's Upper and Central Riverine Regions

This study offers a historical examination of pottery traditions in The Gambia’s Upper River Region (URR) and Central River Region (CRR), drawing on understanding from ethnoarchaeology. It traces how pottery production has changed over time in response to shifts in livelihood patterns, colonial rule, and post-independence development. Using oral testimonies, field observations, and comparisons with archaeological evidence, the study shows that pottery making in pre-colonial riverine communities was far more than a craft. It formed part of everyday life, closely tied to farming, fishing, and household economies, and was shaped by gender roles, local environmental knowledge, and exchange between communities. The study further explores how colonial rule disrupted these long-standing practices. Imported goods, new economic priorities, and changing social values gradually reduced the importance of locally made pottery, while also altering how it was perceived and used. Yet these changes did not occur evenly. A comparison of URR and CRR underscores clear regional differences in production methods, choice of raw materials, and patterns of distribution and use, reflecting local adaptations and historical experiences. Despite a noticeable decline in production, pottery traditions have not disappeared. Instead, they endure as important expressions of cultural identity and inherited knowledge, maintained by skilled artisans who continue to adapt to changing conditions. In some cases, pottery also provides a modest but meaningful source of income, especially for women. Situating pottery within its historical and social contexts, this study contributes to ongoing discussions about material culture, indigenous knowledge, and craft production in Africa. It underscores the need to take local practices seriously, not only as remnants of the past but as living traditions that continue to shape and reflect community life.