FACE JUGS: an African-American tradition (coil)
![Picture](/uploads/9/0/5/7/9057371/_2329099.png)
Face Jug, by Tyler W.
Just in time for African-American history month: here is a project that was originally created by African-American slaves in South Carolina, and has remained as a beloved tradition in American folk art. My students learned the history of face jugs (otherwise known as ugly jugs and vodoo jugs), by watching videos and viewing photos.
Then it was time to make their own face jugs. Students were required to use the coil method to create their vessels. Jugs must have a face, made by adding clay to the original form, and at least one handle.
Some students took the "jack o' lantern" approach by putting flat shapes onto their form, while others sculpted wonderful, intricate facial features. Some chose glaze colors at random, while others very carefully selected colors. The result is a collection of projects that is wonderfully varied. Some of these projects make me say, "I wish I made that!" Here are the best face jugs—the ones that will serve as my benchmarks next year, when I most definitely repeat this fun project.
Then it was time to make their own face jugs. Students were required to use the coil method to create their vessels. Jugs must have a face, made by adding clay to the original form, and at least one handle.
Some students took the "jack o' lantern" approach by putting flat shapes onto their form, while others sculpted wonderful, intricate facial features. Some chose glaze colors at random, while others very carefully selected colors. The result is a collection of projects that is wonderfully varied. Some of these projects make me say, "I wish I made that!" Here are the best face jugs—the ones that will serve as my benchmarks next year, when I most definitely repeat this fun project.