About this artwork
Zulu potters use a variety of patterns to ornament beer vessels, the textures of which stand in strong contrast to the pots’ highly burnished surfaces. Patterns often run in chains around the shoulders of a pot or take the form of large shapes placed in a pleasingly off-balance manner. The technique of applying raised welts—called amasumpa or “warts”—to fill in patterns is among the oldest forms of Zulu pottery decoration. Here amasumpa are used to define a chain of triangles. On the large serving vessel on the adjacent platform, larger welts are used to render a doublehooked motif.
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Status
- Currently Off View
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Department
- Arts of Africa
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Culture
- Northern Nguni
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Title
- Vessel for Serving Beer (Ukhamba)
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Place
- South Africa (Object made in)
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Date
- Made 1925–1975
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Medium
- Blackened terracotta
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Dimensions
- 27.3 × 26.7 cm (10 3/4 × 10 1/2 in.)
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Credit Line
- Gift of Keith Achepohl
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Reference Number
- 2005.260
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.
