Face Vessels

Face Vessels and Ugly Jugs: Exploring a Pottery Tradition of the South
The idea's people have about what art “is,” vary as much as the people answering the question. The idea of what people consider art to be is ever evolving. Some forms of artistic expression have evolved from traditions rooted in culture, religion and imagination. This is the case of the tradition southern art of Face Vessels.

Face Vessels also referred to as “face jugs,” “ugly jugs,” or “voodoo jugs” are clay vessels thrown on a pottery wheel and embellished with a variety of facial features. According to most potter’s I have researched, when it comes to ugly jugs, the uglier the better. There are several theories regarding the origins of Face Vessels. To better understand Face Vessels as works of art it is important to explore the history of these vessels.
There are records of two types of Face Vessels that have been produced in the United States. The first known examples of Face Vessels have no formal name but are usually referred to as historical Face Vessel were created in the mid-19th century, and are most often credited to African-American slaves. The second example of Face Vessels, began to appear in a much later era, while no one can trace their true date and origins, these vessels are most often referred to as modern Face Vessels or “Ugly Jugs,” by potters and collectors. While both the historical and modern Face Vessels share similar characteristics, both their creation and the historical relevance to the eras in which they were created.