2010s Contemporary South African Clay Pot

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A beautiful, small clay pot from the 2010s made and signed by a Zulu artist. The exterior of the pot … Read more A beautiful, small clay pot from the 2010s made and signed by a Zulu artist. The exterior of the pot transitions from a warm, medium brown to a darker brown as it's turned. It has a smooth, burnished surface that's contrasted with a textured rope-like detail that goes around the vessel.

"A traditional Zulu pot is a large, burnished, black, wide-mouthed vessel with a surface pattern of raised bumps, brightly colored enamel paint, a necklace of beads (another marker of Zulu identity), and/or intricate geometric sgraffito. They are fired twice in outdoor bonfires." (cfileonline.org/zulu-pottery and Elizabeth Perrill)

"Ceramic pots have been around for thousands of years and continue to play a crucial role in Zulu traditional customs. The ceramic pot is a common household vessel still used widely amongst Zulu people. Traditionally, three sizes were most common: the large Imbiza pot was used for brewing; the Ukhamba pot used for serving and the Umancishana pot size was used for cooking meat, storing water and grain and for drinking sour milk. Originally produced by Zulu women to serve beer at social gatherings and spiritual ceremonies these vessels highlight the mastery of burnishing and low-temperature firing." —African Art Centre See less