A Face Jug from Edgefield, South Carolina that was Plowed Out of a Field in Massachusetts in the 1980s

A number of nineteenth century stoneware objects made by African Americans in Edgefield, South Carolina before the American Civil War have been found in New England over the past 100 years. Although, the most surprising object may be a face jug that Maine antiques dealer Ross Levett sold in the 1980s, which was shockingly plowed out of a field in Massachusetts. 

In fact, I have heard stories about this face jug through the years, but I had never seen a picture of it until New Hampshire scholar Richard Miller posted an advertisement on Facebook a few days ago that Ross placed for the jug in the November 1987 issue of Maine Antique Digest. The jug appears to be missing its rim, however the remainder of it seems to be in great condition. 

Furthermore, there are at least two similar and perhaps related objects displayed as part of the William and Susan Mariner Gallery at the Museum of Early Decorative Arts in Winston-Salem, North Carolina identified as being made during the circa 1850-1860 period.

Note: Another South Carolina face jug sold earlier this year in Freeport, Maine, which had just been found in an old attic in Portsmouth, New Hampshire; here is a link to that story: http://www.earlyamericanceramics.com/2023/05/a-rediscovered-19th-century-face-jug.html

Face Jug that was Plowed Out of a Field in Massachusetts in the 1980s

19th Century Face Jug from Edgefield, South Carolina

The Jug was Plowed Out of a Field in Massachusetts in the 1980s

Perhaps Circa 1850-1860

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Photo Courtesy: Nov. 1987 Issue of Maine Antique Digest, Ross Levett

Here is the Jug Today

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Photo Courtesy: Private Collection

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