About this artwork
Clusters of raised welts known as warts (amasumpa</em)) are among the most typical forms of Zulu pottery embellishment. The decoration may echo the scarification patterns that once adorned the bodies of Zulu women or the herds of cattle owned by a wealthy family. The Magwaza family of potters uses a unique means of producing the welts or bumps seen here: pushing them out from the inside of the container rather than applying clay to the exterior.
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Status
- On View, Gallery 137
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Artist
- Magwaza Family
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Culture
- Northern Nguni
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Title
- Vessel (Ukhamba)
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Places
- South Africa (Object made in), Africa (Object made in), Province of KwaZulu-Natal (Object made in)
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Date
- 1970-1999
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Medium
- Blackened terracotta
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Dimensions
- 48.3 × 50.8 cm (19 × 20 in.)
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Credit Line
- Charles R. and Janice Feldstein Endowment
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Reference Number
- 2003.78
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
