For Hearth and Altar: African Ceramics from the Keith Achepohl Collection
December 3, 2005–February 20, 2006

Overview: Across the continent of Africa unique and often surprising ceramic vessels have been created for domestic and ritual uses. Potters still practice centuries-old techniques, making wares by hand and firing them in the open to produce vessels of amazing durability. The most striking examples embody an immediacy of form and a deceptive simplicity that can only be achieved through a deeply ingrained understanding of material, process, and embellishment. This exhibition and its accompanying catalogue will showcase a virtuoso group of African ceramics from the Keith Achepohl collection. Approximately half of the 125 works on view are promised gifts to the Art Institute of Chicago.

Storage Container, early/mid-20th century. Nuna; Burkina Faso. Collection of Keith Achepohl.

Catalogue: A beautifully illustrated, 204-page catalogue accompanies the exhibition.

Organizer: This exhibition is organized by the Art Institute of Chicago.

Curator: Kathleen Bickford Berzock, Department of African and Amerindian Art

Sponsor: This exhibition is generously funded by the Clarence Spanjer Endowment.