The tradition of pottery with faces dates back to Egyptian and Mesopotamian times and appears in many other cultures though history. There are conflicting accounts and varying theories about the 1st face jugs in the US. One lists an unknown potter in Massachusetts as the creator of the 1st face jug in the US. Another traces the 1st face jugs in the US to African slaves who worked on American plantations. One theory suggests that these early face jugs were used as grave markers by slaves. These jugs were supposed to ward off evil spirits. We’ve been making a few face jugs with some gritty clay I think it gives it a historic look!