Promoting clan identity through ceramic sculpture: a case of Ikaribwok in Apokor, Soroti district

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to produce ceramic sculpture artifacts in order to promote the clan identity among the youth of Ikaribwok in Apokor community, Soroti district. The study was conducted under three objectives: to establish the cultural significance of the Ikaribwok clan totems; develop design ideas for creating ceramic totems for Ikaribwok clan in Apokor community and produce ceramic sculpture wares depicting selected Ikaribwok clan totems in the Apokor community. The study employed an exploratory approach to unearth the required information about totemism. Forty-five (45) respondents were purposively selected for their knowledge and expertise on the practice of totemism; and the views of the youth whose respective information guided the studio process. Data was collected using interviews, focus group discussions, photography, documentary analysis; studio experimentation, and were presented in themes. Based on the literature search and fieldwork, the findings indicated that culturally totems play a big role amongst the clans notably; prohibiting people of the same totem or clan from marrying one another thus preventing incest in the community; totems are used as logo or symbol to an individual or a group of related persons of a particular clan. Therefore, the Iteso Cultural Union should encourage Clan leaders and the elderly to inculcate the importance of embracing totemic practice among the youth through clan meetings, storytelling and use of totemic symbols during different events such as child naming, festive dance and heritage days. Although the artifacts were produced for the Apokor community, for the purpose of promoting clan identity, the outcomes are beneficial to the entire Teso community. Thus, totemic ceramic sculptural artifacts can continually be produced especially among the Ikaribwok clan community and for public consumption.