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Vessel (Ukhamba)

A work made of blackened terracotta.

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  • A work made of blackened terracotta.

Date:

Late 20th century

Artist:

Magwaza family
Zulu
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Eastern and Southern Africa

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.

Status

On View, Gallery 137

Department

Arts of Africa

Artist

Magwaza Family

Culture

Northern Nguni

Title

Vessel (Ukhamba)

Places

South Africa (Object made in), Africa (Object made in), Province of KwaZulu-Natal (Object made in)

Date

1970-1999

Medium

Blackened terracotta

Dimensions

48.3 × 50.8 cm (19 × 20 in.)

Credit Line

Charles R. and Janice Feldstein Endowment

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.

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