Expoloration of selected Kenyan ethnic decorative designs and motifs, and the adaptation of these designs in the decoration of contemporary ceramic ware: a case study of the Coastal region

Abstract

The focus of this study was to select coastal ethnic designs, adapt and apply them as decorations, on contemporary ceramic ware. These designs were collected from Nairobi and Mombasa. Forty four samples of ethnic designs were collected in the form of photographs. From the total number of samples collected, seventeen designs were found to be applicable. From these, eleven design combinations were developed and utilized. To enable the designs to stand out, stains and oxides were used. Stains were used at a percentage not exceeding 3% to the clay body while oxides were used at a percentage not exceeding 5%. In addition to these on glazes were also used.

Three main decorative techniques were used in the application of the designs onto the ware. These were: i) Impression ii) Incision/Excision iii) Stencil.

A part from these decorative techniques, other techniques were also utilized such as marbling, flow method, Neritage, painting and spraying. After application and firing, the ware was glazed using either opaque or transparent graze.