The Key Factors affecting Design and Structural Technology for the Efficiency of Clay Cooking Pots: Special Reference to Culinary Item “Hattiya”

Abstract

Water, fire, air; earth and space are the basic natural elements in the planet. The processes of clay ware manufacturing can be described as a result of the above mentioned elements. At the beginning clay was used as a material to create figures and sculptures rather than manufacturing objects. Sri Lanka is famous for the pottery industry from beginning of the civilization and it has a great history. Gradually it was developed as a cottage level industry. 1/ can be identified as a knowledge transferring craft from generation to generation. However, with the passage of time clay culinary items became less popular. It has been found that they have not been paid proper attention and concern about the design. It is not updated to cater the present social context, The main objective of this research is to explore key factors to uplift the culinary product in Sri Tanka. It has been inspired to conduct this research; otherwise it will become a dying traditional craft in Sri Tanka. This research followed the quantitative and qualitative research methods. The required data were collected through an extensive literature survey, case study use of different types of Hatty a and structured questionnaires given to the urban and rural consumers in selected areas. The result of the data analysis reveals that there are five key factors affecting the design and technology of Hattiya. The main findings of this research show that the key factors such as shape and form, texture, value, proportion and balance are needed to be considered when designing and manufacturing clay cooking pots.