Indiana University Indiana University IU

Artist Peni MaGumbi Mathengwa (Zulu)
Title Vessel (Udiwo Umncane)
Date 2006
Medium Clay and soot
Dimensions Object: 8 1/2 × 10 5/8 in. (21.6 × 27 cm)
Overall: 8 1/2 × 10 5/8 in. (21.6 × 27 cm)
Credit Line Museum purchase with funds from the Class of 1949 Endowed Curatorship for the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas, Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University
Accession Number 2007.16

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About this Work

Many Zulu group drinking vessels have been created using a technique known as amasumpa, in which artists adhere decorative bits of clay to the exterior after the vessel is leather-hard. Although this technique often involves the application of raised bumps ("amasumpa" refers to "warts"), many variations exist within this tradition. Differences among forms and amasumpa reflect variations in regional style, ceramists' technical mastery, and the individual creativity of the artist.

In the creation of this vessel, MaGumbi applied strips of clay to the shoulder of this pot, and then scored the strips by hand. This is an amasumpa technique that is common in the northern Pongola region, the artist's home.


Provenance research is ongoing for this and many other items in the Eskenazi Museum of Art permanent collection. For more information about the provenance of this artwork, please contact the department curator with specific questions.

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"Vessel | Collections Online." Collections Online. Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art, Indiana University, 2024. https://artmuseum.indiana.edu/collections-online/browse/object.php?number=2007.16