African American' Memory Jars '

[JPK Huson 1863]

Here's a topic it is tough to find accurate details on- a chicken/egg scenario I'm leaning towards a deep and specific ' first ' History. Hence the thread title. LOVE these. My children may find themselves with one on their hands. I recommend they bury it quickly.

To be clear not every example here is of early American genesis-African American. These small monuments to family members seem to have been adopted through time by virtually anyone and everyone captivated with this idea. The idea was to encapsulate a person's identity, tell their story by creating a kind of scrapbook slash mosaic slash circular story of their lives-in-a-jar- yes, a memorial to them. The clearest answer to how these charming 'jars ' came into being and the only one with direct meaning attached is from Africa, part of a death tradition. There are clues, evidence showing when our fellow citizen's ancestors made the trip from Africa as unwilling immigrants this was one cultural icon brought with them in those dark and awful ship's holds.

Museum of Art at the University of Florida with the Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA Tervuren), "Kongo Across the Waters" features over 120 historic and contemporary objects as well as audio-visual components, photographs, wall texts and display case notes. It is so rich and densely layered that one visit is not enough to absorb the depth and range. I'm not even sure two visits would be adequate for there is a rarely seen world of wonders here from the carved ceremonial figures known as minkisi to face vessels (a type of alkaline-glazed stoneware) to agrarian baskets made from sewing bundles of grasses together in a continuous coil. Some of the more memorable highlights include Woyo carved lids (small dioramas of domestic life that served as tops for containers), as a clay jar with burial accouterments such encrusted shards and found objects that reflect the life of the deceased and a music display where you can hear audio samples of several string and percussion instruments like the pluriac and the ngongi bell.

http://burnaway.org/review/kongo-across-waters/

Folk Art is defined as everyday household items that were decorated by common folk who were untrained in art.

Memory jugs were popular in Victorian times.

Some people believe the craft was not only a hobby for women, but originated from African mourning --a ritual slaves brought with them to the United States.

In essence, these are time capsules.

"In a time when more and more of our everyday objects are mass produced, these very personal pieces hold great intrigue: they might have been intended as memorials or grave markers, or as a way of honoring family or friend, but whatever the purpose, these fascinating pieces link past to present as poignant narratives. Each of these vessels is encrusted with favorite bits that are too interesting to throw away but are too personal to reveal their meaning. What tale can be told by a vessel encrusted with a pipe, a toy deer, miniature china dishes, a glass doll, beads, walnuts, and upholstery tacks? Did it honor the memory of a dead relative, celebrate the living, or simply make use of attractive found objects? Could it be that making memory ware was a common handicraft of the day, with no sentiments attached?"

http://woofnanny.blogspot.com/2008/01/memory-jugs.htmls

Memory vessels were made by placing small everyday objects such as keys, screws and nails, glass vials, shells, nuts, and jewelry on the surface of bottles or ceramic jugs using putty, cement, or other adhesive material. Many of these folk art pieces were coated with gold or silver paint, and thus require especially close inspection to discern details; others were left plain so that each applied object was easily recognized.

Several historical explanations have been put forth to explain who made memory jars, and why. One is that they have their origins in Southern Black communities, where they were placed in cemeteries for use as grave markers. The vessels were covered with objects which had belonged to the deceased for possible use in their afterlife.

Another theory is that memory jugs or jars fit well into the "scrapbook mentality" that marked the Victorian era, in which sentimentality reigned, and decoration was abundant. Saving momentos of loved ones has universal appeal...the odd button, a single earring or other bit of jewelry that reminds one of the deceased relative.

http://www.amesgallery.com/FolkArtPages/Memory.html

 

[JPK Huson 1863]

These are a mix, not all era and not all of early African American origin.

 

[Dedej]

My family does Memory Jars - but they don't look like these. These are absolutely beautiful.

We do them for different reasons and purposes. I love this thread - can't wait to share with my mom. Thanks!

 

[chellers]

Beautiful. I am inspired to make one to my late husband.

 

[Dedej]

Beautiful. I am inspired to make one to my late husband.

You should! That would be so wonderful. I want to make one for my daddy.