Beyond being one of the 20th centuries greatest potters, Michael Cardew
(1901-1983) was known as a great teacher and this can be seen in his work he
did setting up potteries in Nigeria. Working
for the Nigerian Government as the Pottery Officer in the Dept. of Commerce and
Industry from 1951 to 1965, Cardew set up a pottery in Abuja and taught pottery to the regional Hausa and Gwari. The intent was
to establish self-sufficent potteries using local clays and materials and in
essence, produce various pottery cottage industry by which local potters could
make and sell pottery as an occupation. This illustrated large water jar with
indiginous style decoration is made of stoneware and glazed overall in a
temmoku iron glaze. This pot was made by Lami Toto (who came to work at
Abuja in 1963 as one of four women potters) and was most likely made just prior
to cardew leaving Nigeria. At first glance this pot closely resembles the work
of Lady Kwali, but in fact, the water jar shape and design are typical of those
produced in the Gwari region of Nigeria.
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