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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Social Dynamics and Pottery Distribution in the Faro Department, Northern Cameroon
Author:Linden, Marc M. Vander
Year:2001
Periodical:African Archaeological Review
Volume:18
Issue:3
Period:September
Pages:135-151
Language:English
Geographic term:Cameroon
Subjects:consumption
archaeology
pottery
Anthropology and Archaeology
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
External link:https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1010976304972
Abstract:Pottery exchange is a complex matter, regulated as it is by manifold synchronous mechanisms. Is it only an economic activity or do other elements intervene? On the contrary, if consumption reifies personal sense of identity, what kind of identity is involved in the particular case of pottery exchange? It is only through this constant reference to consumers' behaviour that we can understand what is at stake in pottery exchange and, beyond, reassess the significance of archaeological pottery distribution areas. Working within this theoretical framework, the author conducted fieldwork in the Faro Department of northern Cameroon during the winter of 1995-1996. Observations were made among 14 linguistic groups. Approximately 200 potters were interviewed. The analysis focuses on the Dowayo. Dowayo generally purchase their pottery from the nearest artisans. Yet, some potters have such a good reputation that they sell to many people who could have bought pots from a nearer artisan. Similarly, at the fringes of ethnolinguistic boundaries, consumers' behaviour prevails over hypothetical wider social strategies, such as economic and social stress. Bibliogr., sum. in English and French.
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