COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
CMA_.1999.13.a-b
AMICA Library Year:
2000
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Nationality:
Zulu
Creator Name-CRT:
South Africa, Zulu, mid 20th century
Title:
Covered Beer Pot (ukhamba)
Title Type:
Primary
View:
Full View
Creation Date:
mid 20th century
Creation Start Date:
1933
Creation End Date:
1966
Materials and Techniques:
earthenware, basketry
Classification Term:
Ceramic
Classification Term:
Ceramic
Style or Period:
South Africa, Zulu, mid 20th century
Dimensions:
Diameter: 45.7cm, Overall: 33cm
AMICA Contributor:
The Cleveland Museum of Art
Owner Location:
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ID Number:
1999.13.a
ID Number:
1999.13.b
Credit Line:
John L. Severance Fund
Context:
This large, beautifully shaped vessel was used for the serving of beer, an essential component of Zulu hospitality. Undecorated vessels were for private household use, and ornamented examples were reserved for guests. Zulu pottery is produced by women, and is typically thin-walled, with a burnished black surface. Decoration may be incised around the shoulder, as in this example, or may consist of raised bumps that resemble body scarification. The basketry lid protects the vessel's contents from flies or debris; contemporary pot lids are often woven of telephone wire with a colorful plastic coating
Related Image Identifier Link:
CMA_.1999.13.a-b.tif
