Documentation of Igbo Traditional Pottery Techniques in Okposi, Ebonyi State

Traditional pottery in Nigeria embodies centuries of material culture knowledge, craft skill, and community identity, yet systematic documentation of these practices remains incomplete in many localities. This study documents the traditional pottery techniques of female artisans in Okposi, Ebonyi State, located in Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone, focusing on coiling, hand modelling, surface decoration, and firing methods. A qualitative research design is employed, combining ethnographic observation with semi-structured interviews conducted with 25 senior potters and 15 apprentices over a twelve-week field engagement. Photographic and video documentation supplement written field notes to produce a comprehensive record of the production process from clay preparation to finished ware. The theoretical framework draws on material culture studies, the anthropology of craft transmission, and the UNESCO framework for intangible cultural heritage safeguarding. Recent scholarship has raised urgent concerns about the erosion of traditional pottery knowledge in the South East zone due to the displacement of earthenware by mass-produced plastic containers and the declining interest of younger generations in craft apprenticeship. The Okposi community presents a unique site because its pottery has historically been linked to ritual and medicinal functions that extend beyond utilitarian use. The study contributes original documentation to the field of Nigerian craft heritage research and provides a baseline record that can support future revitalisation programmes. Findings are intended for the National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Ebonyi State cultural institutions, and community development organisations. Keywords: pottery, Igbo, Okposi, traditional craft, documentation