Drawing as a means of preserving the values of Konzo traditional mortar and pestle: a case study of Nyakasanga village in Kasese district, Western Uganda

Abstract

The study was carried out under the title; “Drawing as a means of preserving the values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle.” Throughout history, mortars and pestles have varied in; size, style, and material depending on their purposes. The purpose of the study was to produce drawings through studio experimentation as a mean for preserving the usage and values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle in Kasese Region, Western Uganda. The study was conducted under three objectives; to examine the values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle, to find out whether the practices of making and observing Konzo traditional mortar and pestle are preserved as well as to produce drawings for preservation of values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle. The study involved 10 respondents who were purposively selected for their knowledge and expertise on Konzo traditional mortar and pestle whose respective information guided the studio process. The methodology used was purposive and exploratory approach. The exploration in this study involved producing drawings with different surfaces and media; Surfaces included bond papers, craft paper, canvas, plywood, and mounting cards. Drawing techniques which were tried out during experimentation included wavy, cross hatching, scrabbling, hatching, wash and dotting. Media included chalk, charcoal, pencil colour, water colors, and soil. Keywords included; Pestles and Mortars, Preservation and Drawing. Content in the study was based on usage and values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle in Nyakasanga Village, Kasese Region, Western Uganda; This study under findings discovered the purpose why the usage and values of Konzo traditional mortar and pestle should be preserved through Drawing as a mean ;the uses of Konzo traditional mortar and pestle included ;used to pound cereals and other food staffs in preparation of food, used to grind medicine which was given to the sick, helped to create relationships in the society which showed togetherness in the community, inspired the study. The findings which were presented on various surfaces through drawing recognized some of the values of the Konzo traditional mortar and pestle and recommended that further studies should be conducted on how they can be preserved through.