The African potters, primarily women, have expressed their creativeness throughout history in many unlike forms. From bowls and dishes to entire communities built with clay, they often create art without the advancements such as nail hole makeweight or texturing tools that many a first-world potter enjoys. Their art contains both functionality for every day living and, with its ornamental forms, an ongoing commitment to the creative spirit.
If there is one way to describe the work ethic of African potters it is this: Keep it Simple. They used the most basic tools to create awe-inspiring art. Absent ar kilns, lead-free glazes and wheels. Potters in the rest of the world could take note from these potters uncanny understanding of the elements of locally dug clay. Not only does the sale of their wares help support their family and community, but has a basic function in tribal life such as carrying water from one place to another(a) or food storage.
