154 - S. Ingram, "Imp" Appalachian Face Jug, $150

154

Title:  “Imp” Appalachian Face Jug

Artist:    S. Ingram

Media:  Ceramic

Dimensions:  6.5" x 6" x 4.75"

Value: $150

The tradition of pottery with faces dates back to Egyptian and Mesopotamian times and appears in many other cultures throughout history. A South Carolina potter, who can trace his ancestors to slavery, states that "the idea was that the face jug would be ugly enough to scare the devil away from your grave so your soul could go to heaven."

Few of the skilled potters who made face jugs have been identified by name and their inspiration for making face vessels is really unknown. Researchers speculate that the vessels may have had religious or burial significance, or that they reflect the complex responses of people attempting to live and maintain their personal identities under cruel and often difficult conditions. Face jugs have been found along the routes of the Underground Railroad and on gravesites, both indicating how highly they were valued. The face jug became known as ugly jugs in the 1920's and was often used to store alcohol. The jugs became uglier in an attempt to identify the contents and frighten children.

arrowmont.org/support/friends-of-arrowmont-auction/