Fezile Ntshofu Black Clay Vessel I

This piece was showcased at the "IMBIZO" exhibition by Fezile Ntshofu and Potterswork, and was on display at the Rust-En-Vrede Clay Museum in Durbanville, South Africa.  "IMBIZO" puts a modern twist on the traditional clay beer pot without moving too far from the origins of a first nations people. The miniature pots are hand molded from black clay and adorned with vibrant African colors. They represent an imbizo, or gathering, where a chief or leader summons his people to discuss tribal affairs. Each person at an imbizo has their own container, and if the beer or food has been poisoned or tampered with, the source can be easily identified. Traditionally, the chief drinks from a more sophisticated beer pot than all others. 

Fezile Ntshofu is a South Africa based ceramicist who has worked in the industry for over 20 years and is the winner of the New Signature Award at the 2022 Ceramics Southern Africa National Exhibition. Ntshofu has studied at the Sivuyile College in Gugulethu, and has worked primarily as a surface decorator at Potterswork, helping to forge the distinctive painting style for which the range is world renowned for. Ntshofu has recently moved into exploring new forms in clay, drawing inspiration from traditional elements of Xhosa culture. He continues to combine his painting technique with clay and was recently included in the iconic Corobrik Collection, South Africa's premier contemporary ceramic collection.