Dave The Potter

Place: South Carolina

Born: 1800

Biography:

Dave The Potter, also known as David Drake, was an American potter and enslaved African American who lived in Edgefield, South Carolina. Born around 1800, he is recognized as the first enslaved potter to inscribe his work with poetry and signature.

Early Life and Enslavement

Dave The Potter was born into slavery on a plantation in South Carolina. He was first enslaved by Harvey Drake, who owned a large pottery business with his partner Abner Landrum. It is believed that Drake learned to read and write from Landrum, despite the fact that literacy was forbidden for enslaved people in South Carolina.

Pottery and Poetry

Dave The Potter's earliest recorded work is a pot dated July 12, 1834, which features a poem inscribed on it. He produced alkaline-glazed stoneware jugs between the 1820s and the 1870s, with twenty of his jars and jugs featuring original poetry and fifty additional vessels revealing his signature, maker's mark, date, and other inscriptions. His jars are bulbous in form, similar to most ware produced in antebellum Edgefield County, South Carolina.

• Drake's pottery is characterized by its use of rhyming couplets and humor.
• His poetry often reflects his experiences as an enslaved person, as well as his observations of the world around him.
• Drake's work has been celebrated and studied by scholars and collectors alike, including Jill Beute Koverman, who argues that Drake made over 40,000 pieces during his lifetime.

Artistic Style and Legacy

Dave The Potter's artistic style is unique in its use of poetry and signature. His work has been recognized as a testament to his creativity, intelligence, and resilience as an enslaved person and artist. Dave The Potter's legacy can be seen in the many museums that showcase his work, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which features one of his storage jars. Important aspects of Dave The Potter's life and work include: * His use of poetry to express himself and tell stories * His ability to produce over 40,000 pieces during his lifetime * His legacy as a master potter and artist

Conclusion

Dave The Potter's story is one of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. His work continues to be celebrated and studied by scholars and collectors today. For more information on Dave The Potter and his work, visit https://Wikioo.org/@/Dave The Potter or https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Drake_(potter).