Shifting Clay Pottery of Prajapatis towards Indigenous Entrepreneurship: An Ethnographic Study in Madhyapur Thimi, Nepal

Abstract

Prajapatis in Madhyapur Thimi have been practicing their clay pottery for a long time. However, with the changed situation, there is a shift in their clay pottery and indigenous entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study was to explore the shifting of clay pottery and the indigenous entrepreneurship of the Prajapatis of Madhyapur Thimi. To enrich the study, I have discussed the relevant literature from various journals and other empirical studies. I have conducted an ethnographic study of 9 research participants to examine their existing practices, perceptions, challenges, needs, and shifts in their clay pottery and indigenous entrepreneurship. To understand these, data and information were collected through participant observation, diary making, in-depth interviews, and informal talks. The collected data were then processed and analysed through data gathering and compiling, transcribing and codification, categorization, and interpretation, linking with the theories. Prajapatis in wards 5 and 6 of Madhyapur Thimi have been using indigenous knowledge and skills to produce various types of clay items, inherited from their parents and seniors. Collection of clay, kneading it, producing various types of clay items on a motor-driven wheel, drying them in the sunlight, baking them in the kiln, and finally selling them in the market are some of the processes involved in their clay pottery. The Prajapatis are pessimistic about transferring their indigenous knowledge and skills for producing clay pottery to their new generation because they consider clay work as tough and socially less dignified, and expect their children to engage in easy table work. Lack of clay, indifference of the new generation, lack of understanding of the need for modern education, lack of business plans and ideas, as well as reluctance to try new things, introduction of plastic and metal wares, and increased competition from imported items are the major challenges to Prajapatis’ clay pottery. Above all, they want their clay pottery and indigenous entrepreneurship to be promoted by the concerned local bodies and the government. With the changing times, Prajapatis have observed and realized many shifts in their clay pottery and indigenous entrepreneurship. Ranging from the fetching of clay, kneading of clay, producing clay items, baking them, and selling them in the market, they have observed massive changes. At present, the number of Prajapatis practicing clay pottery is declining. Collectively, the signs and symptoms indicate the degradation of clay pottery, leading towards the extinction of indigenous knowledge, skill, and entrepreneurship among the Prajapatis in Madhyapur Thimi.