Jar c. 19th century

This anonymous jar invites us to consider the labor and lives of the individuals who produced functional ceramics. These objects often lack a known maker, obscuring the narratives of those, particularly women and people of color, who engaged in this essential craft. Consider the cultural and economic conditions that relegated certain artistic practices to the realm of the anonymous. Who was afforded the privilege of recognition, and whose contributions were systemically overlooked? How do gender, race, and class intersect to shape these historical erasures? The jar’s simple form and utilitarian purpose speak to a history of resourcefulness and resilience. It serves as a potent reminder of the stories embedded in everyday objects and the importance of recognizing the diverse hands that have shaped our material world.