Abstract:
Man's cultural heritage resources encompasses those fundamental ways of doing things and other innovations of living which have been practiced and maintained over a relatively long period of time by the society resulting in rich materials and no material attribute.Proper understanding and valuation of our cultural heritage therefore promotes development and prepares a society for the future.If we,as a people,preserve our heritage resources and transmit same to our children we would be ensuring a regeneration and continuity of our culture.This study investigates the importance of pottery in the cultural life of Afikpo people and how to bequeath the treasure of Fikpo pottery cultural presence to the generation of the future.The main thrust of this research is based on historical approach strengthened with ethno-archaelogical investigation using the professional stranger's approach and observing their way of life.During field trips to Afikpo Potters,middlemen and users of pottery were interviewed to establish their valuation of Afikpo pottery and the hope for sustaining the production of pottery. A document of techniques of pottery-making in Afikpo, typology.Decoration and iconographic meanings of Afikpo pottery forms.Factors thataffect demand for pottery and possibilities for a rejuvenations of Afikpo pottery tradition were surveyed Finally,the implication of all the above factors for archaeology were considered.The quality of the finds by Hartle,Andah,Anozie and Chikwendu in Afikpo area shows that pottery has remained a very important artifact for the reconstruction of Afikpo cultural past.Also,the degeneration of the quality of pots presently made by Afikpo potters is an indicator that Afikpo pottery culture is declining and calls for an urgent salvage action to re-establish Afikpo pottery as a Valuable cultural identity
