Massive
terra-cotta horses have been constructed as shrines in South India for
thousands of years. Standing nine to 25 feet high, they may be the
largest single hollow clay images to be built anywhere on earth. Built
by the heirs of an ancient tradition, the horses inseparably link clay
and religion. Yet, because they are built in remote village shrines,
they are virtually unknown. The entire process of construction and
firing in situ was filmed over a period of 15 consecutive days. (19
minutes)
This film documents a contemporary group of 700 potters living near New Delhi, a small part of India’s population of 1.7 million potters. Shot daily over a period of six months, this is an in-depth study of the pottery, techniques, processes, and belief in pottery as sacred ritual. (30 minutes)
A community of potters is filmed over a six-month period as they produce traditional Onggi ware- beautifully simple, monumental-sized vessels for the storage of pickled vegetables, a staple in the Korean diet. Because of the technological and sociological changes in Korean life, this school of pottery may decline may decline and even disappear. Therefore, this record has much historical importance. (28 minutes)
Price Information:Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters-Dada Compound
The Working Processes of the Potters of India: Bindapur- A Colony of 700 Potters
The Following applies to all films and DVDs: $15 handling plus postage Rental applied to purchase if ordered within 60 days Prices subject to change Special Offer: Save $95 when all four programs are ordered as a set. Call or write: Ron du Bois 612 S. Kings St. Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074 Phone: 405-377-2524 Fax : 405-372-5023 Email: duboisr@sbcglobal.net |
Classroom teachers across the nation may request the free loan of the Yoruba Potters videos for
use in their classrooms through the
Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art,
nmafaweb@si.edu or by phoning 202-633-4633.
Potters of the World
Video Documentaries by Ron du Bois
Reviewed by Anne P. Underhill
Department of Anthropology, Yale University
The five videos in this series provide a wealth of information for students of archaeology, cultural anthropology, and traditional ceramic technology. Two of the videos focus on pottery production among the Yoruba in Nigeria: Mothers and Daughters. Dada Compound and Ogbena Compound. Two others focus on different areas of India: Massive Terra-Cotta Horse Construction in the south, and Bindapur. A Colony of 700 Potters in the north. The fifth video is The Working Processes of the Korean Folk Potter.
The videos, produced during the 1970’s and 1980’s, are valuable for several reasons. First, they document traditional technologies that have completely disappeared or are rapidly declining. It is very fortunate that du Bois captured the fascinating and diverse traditional technologies represented in these areas. Few areas of the world still have potters using some of the traditional techniques that must represent only a fraction of the different techniques used in the past. Second, the extensive travels by du Bois and his thoughtful analyses provide a compelling, holistic view of ceramic production in each potting community. The trust he established among the potters and their willingness to allow extensive filming made this possible. Students have the opportunity to understand many important, relevant issues such as the social roles of potters, patterns of learning pottery production, beliefs by consumers and producers about particular kinds of ceramic products, production techniques to achieve products suitable for different functions, and methods of distribution. Third, the videos are useful teaching materials to illustrate the operation of traditional economic systems at different spatial scales, discussing both local communities and regions. Finally, they also leave the viewer with a profound respect for the abilities of traditional potters and inspiration to preserve knowledge about ceramic production in other world areas.
Mothers and Daughters. Dada Compound begins with a fascinating account of the meaning of decoration on Yoruba ritual vessels commonly used prior to the arrival of Islam in Nigeria. Students of archaeology in particular will be humbled by the complexity of beliefs about particular motifs on vessels that formerly were essential for every household. Every viewer will be interested in the particular beliefs regarding the proper production and use of these vessels. The main theme of the video, however, is the production of large water jars, an essential item for every household in the area. An issue of great interest is the social organization of production, including collaboration among women. Viewers learn about the distinctive roles of men as well as women in different steps of production. They cannot help but be impressed with the strength, technical knowledge, and stamina required to produce effective vessels using hump molds and to successfully fire them on a large scale.
Yoruba Potters: Ogbena Compound describes the skilled production by women of polished, black, lidded soup bowls regarded as essential for daily life in many Nigerian communities. The combination of forming techniques required (slab, mold, coil) will be of interest to students, along with the uses of various tools (some natural, some produced). The detailed account of the open firing process, including the knowledge required to achieve the rich black, shiny appearance (involving the use of boiled locust bean pods), is fascinating.
The Working Processes of the Potters of India: Massive Terra-Cotta Horse Construction provides an account of a rare technological achievement. The video captures one of the last efforts by a group of male potters in the state of Tamil Nadu, south India, to fabricate over a period of 15 days a 25 foot tall, hollow horse central to local Hindu rituals. One interesting aspect of this unusual process is the cooperation among potters to produce the large, sacred object. The video provides fascinating detail about the interlinking of belief and action during the different steps of production, from the initial ritual to purify the ground, to the painting of the horse, regarded as the personification of the deity Alanyar, after the firing has been completed.
Bindapur. A Colony of 700 Potters focuses on the production by men of large water jars with the wheel in the New Delhi region of northern India. The detailed video, however, shows that use of the paddle and anvil also is an essential part of the process. Here too this video reveals interesting aspects of the division of labor by gender in a particular cultural context. People regard the proper role of women to decorate the water jars, rather than using the wheel to form them. At Bindapur, the firing of large water jars is done in kilns located close to each family.
The Working Processes of the Korean Folk Potter provides a rare account of the production of “onggi” ware, large glazed jars for the storage of kimchi (pickled cabbage). The details about the painstaking methods used to process the clay are especially interesting. Women are responsible for the first part of the process (cleaning the clay), while the men undertake the second (slicing, rolling, beating). It also is interesting to note the unusual method the male potters use to turn the kick wheels. In this video and the others in this series, the student of ceramic production can see that there are numerous varieties of production techniques at the community level. The large-scale firing process requires considerable cooperation over a period of several days.
I highly recommend these engaging and informative videos. I urge viewers to see the postscripts for each video which provide information about topics such as local collaborators, the conditions under which du Bois managed to work in each area, and additional slides documenting different steps in production.
Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters - Dada Compound:
I teach children and adults of all ages in the art of handcrafted pottery, both hand built and wheel thrown.
Earlier this year I was lucky enough to attend the NCECA (National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts) conference in Pittsburgh.
While there I was able to catch your documentary on the Dada Compound in Nigeria. It was an amazing experience, to say the least. I integrate
education in world culture into my regular clay lesson plan. What better way to do this then with your documentary?
- Andrew Minnery, Studio Manager, Handweaving Museum and Arts Center
"We
have marveled at the extraordinary terra-cotta sculpture from the
ancient Nigerian cultures at Nok, Ife, and Owo,
but for the most part,
the potter’s art has been neglected."
- Sylvia Williams, Director National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution
"A video so true to life that one is left with a sense of having been there and experienced this village first hand."
- Joe Molinaro, Associate Professor of Art, Eastern Kentucky University
"In
having the opportunity to bring their customs and working methods to
light, Ron duBois has added a
fascinating section to the rich fabric of
global cermaics."
- Ed Bamiling, Ceramics Facilitator, The Banff Centre for the Arts, Canada
"Thank you for sharing "Yoruba Potters" with me and congratulations on a wonderful film..."
- Sheila Pressley, Museum Curator, M.H. du Young Museum, San Francisco, CA
"The parts that focus on the Yoruba women potters making those huge vessels is excellent, in my opinion, and probably parallels the
importance of your film documentation of massive terra-cotta horse construction in South India. I particularly liked the shots of
the actual processing of the clay, building, firing and the social relations among the women."
- Dr. Stephen Inglis, Senior Curator, Canadian Museum of Civilization
Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters - Ogbena Compound:
"The great success of this film is that the mastery and joy of these
great potters are allowed center stage and not lost in the telling of
their story. That makes this film the timeless work it is, and my hope
is that it will be seen for generations…
Bringing these potters into my
life has been a great gift."
- Guy Wolf, Wolf Pottery
"The
film was beautifully photographed and the commentary by a professional
potter was something few films could equal. Terrific!"
- Warren MacKenzie, Potter/Teacher
"Extremely valuable historical document of the history of Eastern Ceramics. Delightful!"- Jim McKinnell, American Ceramic Artist
"I
am impressed by the sensitivity with which Ron du Bois was able to
portray the life and spirit of the Korean potters. The film
communicates the values of the traditional potter, humbling us with its
depiction of their devotion and energy. It is a film I
use in my
workshops and one which I feel everyone working in ceramics should have
an opportunity to see."
- Toshiko Takaezu, American Ceramic Artist, Princeton University
"The film is superb. It sensitively documents the amazing and inspiring methods of Korean potters."
- Daniel Rhodes, author, potter, teacher
Massive Terra-Cotta Horse Construction and Bindapur:
"The Bindapur and terra-cotta horse construction videos will provide a contrast to my other
lectures and demonstrations when I give my North American and overseas workshops."
John H. Leach, Potter, Muchelney Pottery, Somerset, UK
"I have both your Indian and Korean film on 16mm, which I show to students to great acclaim. I have lost count of all the times
I haved viewed theses films of yours, yet each time I see something new and am grateful for your work."
- Douglas and Jennie Phillips, Ridge Pottery, Queen Camel, Somerset BA22 7NF, UK.
"The
film is a poignant and extremely informative presentation and is
beautifully and sensitively done.
Your work has received high praise
from all quarters here ...."
- Amy Poster, Associate Curator, Brooklyn Museum, NYC.
"I
would like to thank you personally for making these invaluable
documentaries on the ceramic technology of India, as I am
an
archaeologiest and ethnographer .... they are of utmost importance for
our better understanding and interpretation of
archaelogical and
traditional cultures of the subcontinent."
- Jonathan mark Kenoyer, Office of Folklife programs, Smithsonian Institution.
"Congratulation!!
Your two films on India are the highlight of the Festival .... both
these films are extremely valuable
documentaries of art processes as
well as Indian culture."
- Andra Ellis, Director, International Clay Film Festival.
"I cannot overemphasize the great service you have provided by presenting a developmental overview of great art forms ...."
- Linden E. Chubin, Outreach Coordinator, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.
"I
am thrilled to see that you have accomplished what we should have done
- document these with such love and respect for the
ethnic groups ....
I have to convey my perosnal thanks to you for this record and for
keeping alive for posterity the practive of a
craft that may disappear
from the land of its origin in no distant future."
- Prof. Shankho Chaudari, Chairman, national Academy of Art, New Delhi, India.
About the Series:
"Every one of your films fascinate me. Nowadays, anyone can go on you tube and find films of potters around the world
that people have filmed and posted in small clips. But your films are rare because
they were filmed almost 30 years ago, they highlight the potters as well as pottery making, and you
educate the viewer of the historical, spiritual and cultural contexts. Understanding and appreciating the cultural context in which pottery is made is crucial.
I watched the Dada and Ogbena film many times as there is so much to learn from them. The footage honors
their amazing clay skills. It is wonderful and respectful. I especially love the footage of Alhaja and her daughter both circling
around their vessels so gracefully in unison, and the young girls in the process of learning. The films honor these women's strength in their
hard and long work days at all levels of skill from building, firing and selling, and their instrumental roles in producing
Nigeria's food and water storage pots, while also being mothers and caretakers of their families!
Absolutely fascinating and so important that you have documented all this."
- Susan Bernstein, Resident Artist, Mudflat Pottery School, Somerville, MA
"I want to tell you again how much I enjoyed your films. What a wonderful resource they are for the future,
both in terms of documenting traditions that may be lost and in inspiring future potters. I often think about how
interesting it must have been for you to travel around he world and have those experiences. I suspect that if I had
seen those films when I was a student my work might have been profoundly influenced..."
- Michael Carr, Curator, Jay de Feo Trust
Reviewed by Dr. Anne P. Underhill, Department of Anthropology, Yale University
The five videos in this series provide a wealth of information for students of archaeology, cultural anthropology, and traditional ceramic technology.
Two of the videos focus on pottery production among the Yoruba in Nigeria: Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters- Dada
Compound, and Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters-Ogbena Compound. Two others focus on different areas of India:
Massive Terra-Cotta Horse Construction, in the South, and Bindapur: A Colony of 700 Potters, in the North.
The fifth video is The Working Processes of the Korean Folk Potter.
The videos, produced during the 1970’s and 1980’s, are valuable for several reasons. First, they document traditional technologies that have
completely disappeared or are rapidly declining. It is very fortunate that du Bois captured the fascinating and diverse traditional technologies
represented in these areas. Few areas of the world still have potters using some of the traditional techniques that must represent only a fraction of
the different techniques used in the past. Second, the extensive travels by du Bois and his thoughtful analyses provide a compelling, holistic
view of ceramic production in each potting community. The trust he established among the potters and their willingness to allow extensive
filming made this possible. Students have the opportunity to understand many important, relevant issues such as the social roles of potters,
patterns of learning pottery production, beliefs by consumers and producers about particular kinds of ceramic products, production
techniques to achieve products suitable for different functions, and methods of distribution. Third, the videos are useful teaching materials to
illustrate the operation of traditional economic systems at different spatial scales, discussing both local communities and regions. Finally,
they also leave the viewer with a profound respect for the abilities of traditional potters and inspiration to preserve knowledge about ceramic
production in other world areas.
Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters- Dada Compound, begins with a fascinating account of the meaning of decoration on
Yoruba ritual vessels commonly used prior to the arrival of Islam in Nigeria. Students of archaeology in particular will be humbled by the
complexity of beliefs about particular motifs on vessels that formerly were essential for every household. Every viewer will be interested in the
particular beliefs regarding the proper production and use of these vessels. The main theme of the video, however, is the production of large water
jars, an essential item for every household in the area. An issue of great interest is the social organization of production, including
collaboration among women. Viewers learn about the distinctive roles of men as well as women in different steps of production. They cannot help
but be impressed with the strength, technical knowledge, and stamina required to produce effective vessels using hump molds and to
successfully fire them on a large scale.
Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters-Ogbena Compound, describes the skilled production by women of polished, black, lidded
soup bowls regarded as essential for daily life in many Nigerian communities. The combination of forming techniques required (slab, mold,
coil) will be of interest to students, along with the uses of various tools (some natural, some produced). The detailed account of the open
firing process, including the knowledge required to achieve the rich black, shiny appearance (involving the use of boiled locust bean pods), is fascinating.
The Working Processes of the Potters of India: Massive Terra-Cotta Horse Construction, provides an account of a rare
technological achievement. The video captures one of the last efforts by a group of male potters in the state of Tamil Nadu, South India, to fabricate
over a period of 15 days a 25 foot tall, hollow horse central to local Hindu rituals. One interesting aspect of this unusual process is the
cooperation among potters to produce the large, sacred object. The video provides fascinating detail about the interlinking of belief and action
during the different steps of production, from the initial ritual to purify the ground, to the painting of the horse, regarded as the
personification of the deity Aiyanar, after the firing has been completed.
Bindapur. A Colony of 700 Potters, focuses on the production by men of large water jars with the wheel in the New Delhi region of
northern India. The detailed video, however, shows that use of the paddle and anvil also is an essential part of the process. Here too this
video reveals interesting aspects of the division of labor by gender in a particular cultural context. People regard the proper role of women to
decorate the water jars, rather than using the wheel to form them. At Bindapur, the firing of large water jars is done in kilns located close to each family.
The Working Processes of the Korean Folk Potter, provides a rare account of the production of “onggi” ware, large glazed jars for
the storage of kimchi (pickled cabbage). The details about the painstaking methods used to process the clay are especially interesting.
Women are responsible for the first part of the process (cleaning the clay), while the men undertake the second (slicing, rolling, beating). It also is
interesting to note the unusual method the male potters use to turn the kick wheels. In this video and the others in this series, the student of
ceramic production can see that there are numerous varieties of production techniques at the community level. The large-scale firing process
requires considerable cooperation over a period of several days.
I highly recommend these engaging and informative videos. I urge viewers to see the postscripts for each video which provide information about
topics such as local collaborators, the conditions under which du Bois managed to work in each area, and additional slides documenting
different steps in production.
About The Film Maker:
Ron du Bois, emeritus professor of art, taught ceramics and studio art at Oklahoma State University. He was a Fulbright lecturer to Korea, 1973-74, where he taught ceramics at three Korean universities. His award-winning documentary, The Working Processes of the Korean Folk Potter, was filmed at that time. It is in the film archives of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, NYC.
In 1979-80, du Bois was a grantee under the Indo-American Fellowship Program, traveling extensively to film the traditional working processes of Indian potters. Among other projects, he filmed the entire construction of perhaps the last massive terra-cotta horse to be built in India. This documentary was completed under NEH auspices and shown in conjunction with the Smithsonian Festival of India exhibition, 1985. It is also in the film archives of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
In 1987, du Bois was awarded a 10-month Fulbright Senior Research Scholar Grant, African Regional Research Program, to research and film document Nigerian potters. His documentary, Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters, videotaped at that time, was an award winner at Ceramic Millennium, A Century of Ceramics on Film, Amsterdam, 1999. It is in the film archives of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, Washington, D.C.
In 2001 his documentaries, Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters-Dada Compound (Expanded Version) and Yoruba Potters: Mothers and Daughters-Ogbena Compound were completed.
All the ceramic documentaries of the Potters of the World Film Serieswere
selected to be shown at the film festival, "A Century of Ceramics on
Film and Video" as a feature of the Ceramic Millenium conference in
Amsterdam, summer, 1999. They are part of a festival of 39 programs in
video format now in process of being organized as a world travelling
film festival.
Personal presentations: Ron
will introduce any of the programs from the "Potters of the World
Film/Video Series" and conduct a discussion/question/answer session.
Cost: expenses plus arranged honorarium.
Below are posters from one of Ron's recent presentations:
Click on the titles below, for copies of my recent articles:
A Letter from... Nigeria |
|
|
A Saga of Synchronicity (Part I) |
| A Letter from... Nigeria | |
|
A Saga of Synchronicity (Part II) |
