How to collect American face jugs

"The origins of the face jug, a folk tradition among African American potters in the South, remain obscure. Some historians have linked these jugs to African ritual artifacts, others to imported European figural vessels." Whatever their original history is, they are a fantastic example of Black Slave Art that can not be reproduced today. When you examine a slave jug, be sure to look for jug without any damages or cracks so that you can maintain the integrity of the piece for maximum value if you should ever sell.

"The Stoneware vessels were made from local clay and glazed in a variety of colors ranging from olive-gray to dark brown and black. The facial Features of the vessels are frequently tormented; however, some examples are static, smiling and a few are suggestive of a voice raised in song. The eyes and teeth of the vessels were sometimes fashioned of kaolin (white clay) which provides a striking contrast in color and texture against the darker backgrounds." These are wonderful clues to look for when you are on your hunt for face jugs at your local antique store. Make sure the clay body has a strong color to it and the whiteness of the other clay is not just painted on with paints but actually white stoneware.

Although it is well documented that the majority of the face vessels were created in Georgia and South Carolina, they have been found as far north as upstate New York and as far west as Tennessee and Ohio. Generally speaking, they were found in the vicinity of the underground railroads which indicated that they were important enough to the escaping slaves to be included among their prized possessions. They might have been regarded as good-luck pieces. So, when you are antique shopping in upstate New York, do not be surprised to find a face jug there on one of the shelves.