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This large earthenware jar was crafted by Dave, later known as David Drake, an enslaved potter in 19th century South Carolina. The vessel's monumental size speaks to its function, but it is the inscription etched into its surface that truly captures our attention. Inscriptions on utilitarian objects have a long lineage, from ancient Roman amphorae marked with the merchant's name to medieval stoneware pots adorned with blessings. Yet, Dave's verses transcend mere identification. They are poetic expressions, defiant assertions of literacy and creativity in a society that sought to deny both. The very act of writing, of imprinting words onto clay, is a powerful gesture. Consider the cave paintings of Lascaux, where early humans used images to capture their world and transmit knowledge across generations. Dave's inscription echoes this primal urge to leave a mark, to communicate, to resist the erasure of his existence. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit, a vessel filled with meaning that continues to resonate across time.