Miniature Early Face Jug

[Antiques in Bethania]

This amazing small Southern face jug stands just under 4 inches high and weighs 10.2 ounces.  The jug is believed to be early to late 19th Century, slave made and possibly an African minski which is plural for nkis or an African fetish or the practice of magic. The face is clearly African in nature - note the nose, lip area, ears and eyes as well as the teeth. Although the teeth appear to be stone, both the teeth and eyes could be of Kaolin Clay which is considered sacred. There are traces of black ash inside and can be seen from the top opening.   

[Parker Lanier]

awesome

[Antiques in Bethania]

It is really, a truly amazing little piece. The warmth that comes from it is overwhelming. This was one of the few pieces I kept from the most incredible auction I ever went to - Benny Carter who lives "up the road a piece from me."  It was right before I opened my antique shop in this tiny historic town I live in, and right after the law suit I helped to initiate against annexation. But back to Benny - I still have pieces I refuse to sell. I will post them sometime. The jug though is one of the few pieces he forgot where he acquired it. But I believe it is significant - most look for the glazes and green- yellow hue - the color and texture of ny jug are dead giveaways -

I knew Lee Goody - long story - but I once was a district supervisor for stores all over Chi-town -and she favored one of my shops to sleep by, and when she eventually decided to like me,she "let" me buy a few. My biggest claim to fame was placing a T Shirt in the window of the corner of a shop on State and Monroe - "Harry the Hard Hat says  go Fuc?(k- of course) yourself - sold out in less then hour and while I was able to get more - my company refused to have more produced - - - then there was Philly and the wire man -- never mind - it is truly an honor to know you!