Support provided by:
The Case:
Our Pennsylvania contributor has a startling piece of art – a ceramic jug with eyes, nose, ears and teeth bared in a grimace.
In 1950 her grandfather, a plumber, was digging up land for a school in Germantown, PA, and found this peculiar piece of pottery.
Our contributor suspects African Americans made this face jug during the Civil War era and wonders if it came to Philadelphia on the Underground Railroad.
History Detectives researches the site where the plumber first found this pottery, to see if there could be an Underground Railroad connection, visits the Philadelphia Museum of Art and heads to South Carolina to try to find out the who, what, when and where of this curious jug.
More Photos Of The Face Jug
Our contributor April Hynes from Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania brought us a ceramic jug that has been in her family for years. It's known as a face jug, and the style is believed to have been brought to America by slaves from the Congo. View the object from different angles.
Related Content
Video:
Technique:
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also in Civil War: 1850-1877
Chief Black Kettle
Are these war spoils of a Cheyenne chief?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
African American Comic Book
Did the makers of this 1950s comic book have more than romance on their minds?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Leisurama Homes
What happened to the Leisurama homes apparently widely sold in Florida?
-
Related Investigation
Marshall House Flag
Did this piece of fabric come from a flag that cost a Union colonel his life?
-
Also in Season 8
Duke Ellington Plates
What is the story behind the printing plates for this famous Jazz song?
-
Also with Gwen Wright
Thomas Edison's House
Was this New Jersey home built by inventor Thomas Edison?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.
Anyone wishing to submit an artifact for investigation should do so through Submit a Story.
- Submit your StoryDo you have a Civil War object? Submit your story now.
- Latest CommentWhat is this glorifying the firearm (which is a semi-automatic by the way) of a criminal? (3 days ago)
- Twitterremember this investigation with @TukufuZuberi @elyseluray Tonight they reunite! Let us know your thoughts! @PBS http://t.co/4KMnc27K (7 months ago)
- FacebookSome wisdom as the day draws to a close. Like my page for more conversations. Enjoy your evening. Peace, Tukufu. (1 day ago)