Catherine Gombe

Environmental Influence on Indigenous Ceramic Designs: Luo People of Kenya Catherine Gombe

This research investigates the environmental factors that have influenced the artistic skills, competencies and orientations towards the total creation of ceramics forms of pottery in the Luo people of Kenya. The physical and human environs of Luo land are explored; and their contribution to local ceramic designs are described. Investigations were focused on the availability and choice of raw materials, formal properties, functional characteristics, and possibilities for innovations of Luo indigenous clay forms. Data collection was through interviews with focus groups and artisans, observation, drawings, photography and tests on clay materials. From the study it is clear that while there are still genuine Luo traditional designs in use, foreign influence has been assimilated in others.