Vessel (Ukhamba)

Clusters of raised welts known as warts (amasumpa) are among the most typical forms of Zulu pottery embellishment. The decoration may echo the scarification patterns that once adorned the bodies of Zulu women or the herds of cattle owned by a wealthy family. The Magwaza family of potters uses a unique means of producing the welts or bumps seen here: pushing them out from the inside of the container rather than applying clay to the exterior.