Face jug

Early European examples date from the 13th century, and the German stoneware Bartmann jug was a popular later medieval and Renaissance form.

During the 13th century, craftsmen outside of London became more decorative in their style, creating more anthropomorphic vessels that would characterize medieval face jugs.

[11] Other scholars believe that face jugs were used as a form of self-identification, or a self-portrait and perhaps were a way for slaves to deal with their physical displacement and loss of visual worth.

Because formal ceramic skills to create face jugs were taught after America gained its independence, they are regarded as some of the first truly American pieces.

[13] Because of their interesting physical characteristics and historical context behind them, face jugs are important examples of African-American art and as the start of a theme of self-identification that would carry into the future.

Most famously, it is believed that Dave the Potter, a slave who worked in the Miles mill where face jugs were made, was himself protesting against his status through ceramic pieces.