AF Ceramic Face Jugs of North Carolina

Face Jugs

Important Considerations

The whimsical pieces known as face jugs were most popular in the 20th century (1900s).

Face jugs show influences from African, German, English, and American Indian precedents.

However, this was much later than the face jug's earliest beginnings. Also of note, is that the popularity was within white culture, which at the time was incredibly racist. How does the meaning of art change when one culture copies or mocks another?

"Scholars believe that face jugs were used as a form of self-identification, or a Self-Portrait and perhaps were a way for slaves to deal with their physical displacement and loss of visual worth. Some folklore accounts held that these jugs were used for spiritual, rather than practical, purposes. It is believed that the jugs were buried outside of front and back doors to scare spirits away. It is also claimed that these jugs were used as grave markers and placed atop burial sites surrounded with the possessions of the deceased." - Wikipedia

Dave the Potter

South Carolina ETV

What is not OK?

Let us work in the spirit of FUN!

Our face mugs can be expressions of our own feelings.

Representations of ourselves.

Or simply silly facial expressions.

* Exaggerated facial features that appear to be mocking another race or a person's ability.

* Racist imagery.

What is OK?

Face Jugs

* Exaggerated facial features.

* Exaggerated facial expressions.

* Fun use of shape and color.

Contemporary - Humorous

What will we be making?

We will be making face mugs.

About to sneeze?

Why are we learning about this in Art Foundations?

Examples

The history behind face jugs, the actual beginning of it, is interesting and meaningful. When we create our own face mugs, we need to be sensitive to what we should and shouldn't do.

Repression

& Representation

Contemporary - Humorous

Dave

Visual representation is powerful.

In the 1800's and early 1900's, African-Americans were portrayed negatively to repress them. Stereotypes were abundant. While it is difficult to approach this subject, it is important. We need to learn about why it happened, and why it is wrong.

The black potter Dave was one of the most productive potters of the time (mid-1800s).

He made large storage jars, and was known to compose poems on a few. He signed others. This was dangerous as slaves weren't allowed to learn to read or write. His work is in high demand from collectors and museums.

Early African-American Art

Lately, there has been discussion about blackface.

African Roots

To Start...

People that were brought forcefully over from another country (slaves), torn from their homes and loved ones, could only bring:

Memories * Culture * Art

"African Nkisi dolls, native to the Congo, were considered both object and human. These dolls were made with many different materials including clay. They came to America transported through slave trade, and are found more commonly in Latin American regions. The vessels are full figured pieces characterized by the same exaggerated human features often seen on African-American face jugs. Many rituals associated with Nkisi dolls are used either to aid or to harm a person or other living creature that the dolls play a stand-in role for, or as an extension of a spiritual leader, or as a being that stores spiritual energy." - Wikipedia

What common stereotypes were there?

Black Sambo, Mammie, black clowns, etc. Depictions of African-Americans with overly large facial features, particularly red lips, are common.

White people would sometimes partake in minstrels and wear black face. The purpose of these shows was to entertain, but also to make fun of blacks. The shows would depict African-Americans as uneducated, simple, and not capable of functioning as a member of society.

Was there a purpose behind this? Yes. Remember, there is power in representation. Perpetuating stereotypes created power imbalance, and kept white people in control. It also gave "justification" for unjust laws like the "Jim Crow Laws" and "separate but equal."

Yes, this is a touchy subject.

Yes, it is BAD.

Does it make sense now WHY it is considered so unacceptable?

Blackface is a racist practice.

In your sketchbook: #INQUIRE

* As a table read: http://jonespottery.com/face-jugs

* Answer these questions:

1. What did Africans believe had magical qualities?

2. List possible meanings of the face jugs.

3. How can you avoid making something "in poor taste"?

4. Is there something that is meaningful in your family that is passed down each generation?

THEN, sketch three ideas for face jugs. #DESIGN

Think of different facial features and expressions. Maybe even animal or alien elements?

Pick your favorite, and draw a larger, final sketch.

Next...

We will learn about coil building, scoring and slipping, and other clay techniques.

Over time, cultures melded together. The Africans brought traditions with them, and kept them in a way, by making face jugs.