How enslaved potters in South Carolina transformed utilitarian stoneware into profound works of art
In short: Explore the legacy of 19th-century African American potters from the Old Edgefield District. This virtual tour highlights how enslaved artisans used stoneware to express agency and identity, showcasing monumental jars and mysterious face vessels that bridge the gap between historical craft and contemporary artistic dialogue.
The exhibition features approximately 50 ceramic objects created in South Carolina during the decades preceding the Civil War. Central to the collection are the monumental storage jars crafted by David Drake, an enslaved and literate potter who also inscribed poetry onto his work. Alongside these are rare utilitarian wares and enigmatic face vessels created by anonymous makers.
By examining these pieces through the lenses of history, anthropology, and material culture, the exhibition reveals the sophisticated artistic knowledge of enslaved people. The presentation includes both these historical artifacts and modern artistic responses, illustrating the enduring impact of the Edgefield tradition on American art history.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hear Me Now: The Black Potters of Old Edgefield, South Carolina Virtual Opening | Met Exhibitions
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