The graceful pots that Malian women create are sold in local or regional markets and are an important source of income for them. With very few exceptions, potters are from blacksmith families and generally marry into other blacksmith families. They preserve their knowledge of pottery by passing it on to their daughters and nieces.

Some consumers still buy handmade pots for specific uses, despite the fact that enamelware, plastic, and industrial ceramics have replaced most of the handmade pottery in Malian homes. Women use clay pots for storing and cooling drinking water, or as incense burners. In rural areas, a beautifully made and decorated water pot and an incense burner are important items in the bride=s trousseau. In urban areas, today=s best-selling handmade pots are large fluted plant containers,that grace the terraces and gardens of Malian homes.