Decorative motifs on north African pottery may sometimes appear simple, but they are considered very important; in Algeria, for example, new members of a family, such as newlywed wives, are expected to adopt their in-law’s pottery styles. This vessel shows the importance of the painting decoration in the care taken to prepare the surface, which has been burnished to a shine with a smooth pebble.

These designs on the vessels are also meaningful, with traits that indicate sex and gender. For example, the geometric motifs on this pitcher are considered male traits, while the abstract floral designs are considered to be female traits. Researched by Olivia Smith

 

 

For more information, you may contact the researcher(s) noted in the title of this exhibit entry, or Dr. Billie Follensbee, the professor of the course, at BillieFollensbee@MissouriState.edu