By Faith Mathis, SCDNR Archaeology Intern
Though I have my B.A. in Studio Arts and have drawn still-lifes many a time in my art training, the Edgefield Pottery Project is unlike any art project I have ever had. For the first time, I’m being asked to incorporate my knowledge of archaeology and anthropology into my art as an undergraduate anthropology student at the University of South Carolina (USC). In this way, the art is less about stylistic interpretation and instead the focus is hyper-realistic accuracy to highlight features of the vessels that otherwise do not photograph well. Meditatively scanning for every detail as I draw these vessels feels akin to drafting a map as I work to mentally triangulate shapes in relation to one another in space on the surface of the pottery. Thinking about things that way, I’m often reminded of seeing maps of our state and how little modern boundaries in place truly capture the range and scope of history South Carolina has witnessed. Places like Columbia might currently be significant as the state capitol, but I hope what my artwork conveys is just how important Edgefield was for pottery production and why these vessels are a significant as a form of industry. I am honored to take on this work as a USC student and hope it will give visitors to future SCDNR Edgefield pottery traveling exhibits pause and reflection about the quiet details that all work together to create history.
To view the 3D model of Edgefield Pottery Collection 299, visit: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/edgefield-pottery-collection-299-2e2b2d68bc0540e4a1df258184144616
To view the 3D model of Edgefield Pottery Collection 63, visit: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/edgefield-pottery-collection-63-marked-stacker-dd699f36f98f4d2b9b5464ad6664a870
The Edgefield Pottery Collection is a collection of historic vessels with a variety of shapes, sizes, forms, and uses. A jigger mold was used to quickly mass produce these Albany-Slipware style stackers and jugs. The vessels in the Edgefield Pottery Collection did not pass their quality inspection when they were made and were discarded into a ‘waster pile’. The jugs in this collection were donated to the SCDNR Heritage Trust Program by Dr. Michael D. Fulford in 2022. They are currently being curated and studied at SCDNR’s Parker Annex Archaeology Center in Columbia, S.C. In future years, the collection will be incorporated into a traveling museum exhibit series.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on South Carolina Wild are solely those of the authors, and do not reflect official policies, positions, or endorsements of activity or products by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
