Sub-Saharan Designs: Crafts of the African Potter and Smith

Igbo and Nupe pots, Nigeria

Hurst Gallery is pleased to present Sub-Saharan Designs: Crafts of the African Potter and Smith. The exhibition highlights the diverse artistic traditions of pottery and metal-working that can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa. On view are a fine selection of early 20th century earthenware pots and jars from Nigeria., as well as, over 30 weapons, both ceremonial and functional.

The pots are all handbuilt or coiled rather than wheel thrown. They are fired at a very low temperature and are unglazed, and selectively burnished. The chief advantage to such a low-fired earthenware is that it is able to be used over an open fire for cooking or boiling water withour fear of breaking. In its toleranace of thermal shock it is much superior to glazed pottery, and its only rivals are the flameproof porcelains and glassware of modern industry (Cardew, 1970). All the pieces are remarkable for their incised geometric designs; in some cases abstract figural elements cover the complete exterior of each piece.

Metal-working has a long history in Africa which dates well into the first millenium B.C. The weapons all exhibit the fine characteristics of the African smith, from simply wrought shapes to finely inscribed blades to the complex openwork designs of a Benin ceremonial sword. Notable pieces on view include a Yoruba brass ceremonial sword with finely incised designs, a Kutu knife with brass tack decoration covering the handle, and a Shi sword and sheath that has finely wrapped brass wire around its length with animal hide straps and an ivory attachment.