This past weekend, I had the lovely privilege of meeting a great artist, Ben Watford. I was at a local festival with a good friend who took me over to see the potter’s work (which is to be on that Sleepy Hollow show I hear, so keep an eye out) and I fell in love with my bright red devil straight away. He then told us the story of the face jug.
Slaves were not allowed to place markers (such as headstones) on the graves of their dead, I can only assume a restriction meant to dehumanize. These face jugs are thought to be such markers – set to ward off evil spirits so that the soul was allowed to ascend to the heavens. Very, very beautiful.. I will treasure mine and am so very grateful that my friend took me to see them.
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