Effects of ecological process on indigenous pottery as a cultural tourism product: A case of Zulu pottery

Abstract

This exploratory case study aims to document the ecological factors influencing the production and development of indigenous pottery as a tourism product, using Zulu pottery in South Africa as a case study. The study assessed the ecological factors through the seven feedback mechanisms of the Cybernetic model, which are resources, weather & climate, scheduling conflicts, the degree of sedentariness, demand, man/land relationships and technological innovation. Data was collected by critically examining previous fieldwork reports, literature, documented interviews and through field observation. The findings from the study show that the feedback mechanisms influence two stages of pottery development; that is, the initial development (origination) and the development to a full-time craft. These findings are of value to researchers and relevant government agencies as it reveals what to be addressed to sustain the indigenous pottery production as a tourist attraction in South Africa.

Keywords

• Cultural tourism
• Ceramic ecology
• Indigenous craft
• Zulu pottery