Women artisans in the village of Sè are continuing family pottery traditions to preserve the cultural heritage of Benin [1].
These efforts ensure that ancestral techniques are not lost to time, maintaining the identity of a community recognized as the country's pottery capital [2]. The persistence of these crafts serves as a bridge between generations in south-western Benin [1].
In Sè, the practice of pottery is more than a commercial endeavor; it is a familial legacy passed down through women. By utilizing traditional methods, these potters safeguard the region's historical artistic expressions [2]. The village has long been established as a center for this specific craft, making the role of the women essential to the town's survival as a cultural hub [1].
Maintaining these skills requires a commitment to labor-intensive processes that have remained unchanged for years. The artisans focus on creating vessels and ornaments that reflect the heritage of their ancestors [2]. This dedication prevents the erasure of local history in the face of modernization [1].
As the potters continue their work, they reinforce the social fabric of Sè. The transmission of knowledge from mothers to daughters ensures that the technical expertise of the craft remains within the community [2]. This cycle of learning protects the village's status as a primary site for artisanal pottery in the region [1].
“Women artisans in the village of Sè are continuing family pottery traditions.”
The preservation of pottery in Sè highlights the role of gender-specific artisanal traditions in maintaining national identity. By anchoring their cultural heritage in the labor of women, the community creates a sustainable model for historical preservation that resists the homogenizing effects of global industrialization.
