The Resilience of the Pare Traditional Pottery Industry in Tanzania During the Colonial and Post-colonial Eras, 1900s–2020

Authors

Shakila Halifan Mteti, University of Dar-es-SalaamFollow

Abstract

This paper examines the resilience of the traditional pottery industry among the Pare women potters in Tanzania. It focuses on how the industry responded to local and global socio-economic and political dynamics from the colonial period in the 1900s through 2020. Specifically, it explores how Pare women potters have attained success, navigated challenges, and adapted to changing economic and social conditions. The study focuses on the Pare people of Usangi in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. It is based on in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and archival and written sources collected between July and December 2018. The study findings are threefold. First, the Pare women played significant roles in pottery production which, in turn, improved the economy of their families and their communities through pottery sales. Second, despite such achievements, the development of the pottery industry has been negatively affected by the mass importation of ceramics due to the implementation of colonial economies and modernisation campaigns during colonial rule, and the free market economy in the post-colonial era. Consequently, the number of potters has dwindled over time, with only a few remaining in pottery occasionally as a result of changing consumer preferences. Third, despite these challenges, the traditional pottery industry among the Pare has continued to survive through diversification of products to meet market demands, and the production of items like flower pots, ashtrays, and decorative souvenirs. The study emphasises the need for on-going adaptation support from the government and NGOs to sustain traditional crafts amidst economic shifts

Recommended Citation

Mteti, Shakila Halifan (2025) "The Resilience of the Pare Traditional Pottery Industry in Tanzania During the Colonial and Post-colonial Eras, 1900s–2020," Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 14: No. 1, Article 6.
DOI: 10.56279/az06w790
Available at: https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/jhss/vol14/iss1/6