Deconstruction and consumption of traditionally designed pottery vessels in contemporary Zimbabwe, with Special Reference to Apostolic Christian Church Sects

Abstract

This qualitative study interrogates the consumption of traditional pottery vessels within the Apostolic Christian church sects in Zimbabwe. The study argues that with the sudden increase in African-initiated churches, especially the Vapositori (Apostolic) sects a noticeable increase in the distribution and consumption of pottery products as worshipping accessories has been observed. It also posits that while there has not been a major change in the form and shapes of the vessels, there has been a significant shift in the end use of the vessels to include tourist souvenirs and symbolic prayer accessories. It is thus observed that to a larger extent, the symbolic function has been found to have motivated the continued existence of pottery-making in Zimbabwe. We argue that traditional pottery-making has become a major source of symbolic substance with the capacity to be used as prayer accessories with economic potential.