How are African clay pots made?

African clay pots are made by coiling the material around a flattened base and then hand-molding it into the desired shape. Then, the piece is sun dried and fired at a low temperature. On 1stDibs, find authentic African clay pots from some of the top sellers around the world.

Are clay pots and terracotta pots the same?

No, clay pots and terracotta pots are not the same. While terracotta pots are a type of clay pot, not all clay pots are terracotta. Terracotta is a clay material that is modeled and fired to create a signature brown-orange color. Clay pots can be created in any color. Browse a range of both clay and terracotta pots on 1stDibs.

What is an African pot?

African pottery is diverse and culturally varied. An African pot can be a simple vessel for food or liquid but many carry social and religious significance. African pottery has always been highly sought after and is beloved by antique collectors worldwide. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique African pottery from some of the world’s top sellers.

What is the difference between terracotta and clay pots?

A terracotta pot is simply a clay pot that has been fired. Clay is just the name of the material that terracotta pots are made out of. Shop an array of terracotta pots from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.

Are clay pots good for plants?

Yes, clay pots are good for plants. These pots provide a healthy environment for most plants because material's porous nature allows air and moisture to penetrate the sides of the pot. Clay pots can remove excess moisture from the potting soil reducing the chance of root rot.

African Clay Pots

Zulu Beer Pot

Zulu Objects South Africa

Zulu Ceramic

Brown And White Planter

Early 20th Century African Tribal Clay Pot, Hand-Crafted, Mali, 15.5"

$790

Early 20th Century African Tribal Clay Pot, Hand-Crafted, Mali, 15.5"

Located in Wainscott, NY

Early 20th Century African Tribal Clay Pot Fashioned from locally sourced clay using ancient techniques passed down through generations, this pot bears the marks of time and tradit...

Category

20th Century Malian Vases

Materials

Clay, Paint

African tribal Jar or Pot, blackware hand decorated, 19thCentury

$475

African tribal Jar or Pot, blackware hand decorated, 19thCentury

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is an African Tribal Black-ware Jar or Pot, all handmade and hand decorated.

Category

Antique 19th Century African Tribal Tribal Art

Materials

Clay, Earthenware

Recent Sales

19th Century Bulbous African Clay Storage Pot / Jar

Unavailable

H 17.72 in Dm 21.66 in

19th Century Bulbous African Clay Storage Pot / Jar

Located in Pickering, North Yorkshire

A lovely squat and bulbous African earthenware / clay storage jar.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Ghanaian Tribal Urns

Materials

Clay

Antique 20th Century North African Clay Pot Signed Sabiha - 2Y526

Sold

H 3.55 in Dm 4.73 in

Antique 20th Century North African Clay Pot Signed Sabiha - 2Y526

Located in Bordeaux, FR

This antique North African clay pot, signed Sabiha, is an authentic and unique piece from the 20th century.

Category

20th Century Antiquities

Materials

Clay

African Shona Pot

Sold

H 10 in Dm 10.5 in

African Shona Pot

Located in Wainscott, NY

This is a pot made in Southern Africa by the Shona peoples.

Category

20th Century South African Tribal Art

Materials

Clay

Mid-20th Century Zulu Ceramic Beer Pot, South Africa

Sold

H 12.5 in Dm 15 in

Mid-20th Century Zulu Ceramic Beer Pot, South Africa

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Offered by ZENA KRUZICK Mid-20th Century Zulu Ceramic Beer Pot, South Africa This large beer pot from the Zulu tribe of South Africa is one of the largest and most impressive tha...

Category

Mid-20th Century South African Tribal Vases

Materials

Clay

19th Century African Red Clay Water Pot from Mali

Sold

H 17.5 in

19th Century African Red Clay Water Pot from Mali

Located in Wainscott, NY

19th century African red clay water pot. This piece is from Mali.

Category

Antique 19th Century Malian Ceramics

Materials

Clay

south african clay pot with Lid

Sold

H 19 in Dm 28 in

south african clay pot with Lid

Located in St. Helena, CA

only a few artists know the technique in making these Nunuma Clay Pots or Burkina Faso. these rare pots are from an isolated area in South Africa and were used to store local wines....

Category

Vintage 1940s South African Pottery

Materials

Clay

Lobi Pot, West Africa, circa 1940s

Sold

H 24 in Dm 16 in

Lobi Pot, West Africa, circa 1940s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A clay pot from the Burkina Faso region of West Africa.

Category

Vintage 1940s Burkinabe Pottery

Materials

Clay

Early 20th Century White Clay Zulu Pot with Intricate Arch Etchings

Sold

H 7 in W 7 in D 7 in

Early 20th Century White Clay Zulu Pot with Intricate Arch Etchings

Located in Amarillo, TX

White clay zulu pot with intricate arch carvings.

Category

Early 20th Century South African Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Clay

Early 20th Century White Clay Zulu Pot with Intricate Triangle Etchings

Sold

H 7 in W 7 in D 7 in

Early 20th Century White Clay Zulu Pot with Intricate Triangle Etchings

Located in Amarillo, TX

White clay zulu pot with intricate triangle carvings.

Category

Early 20th Century South African Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Clay

Early 20th Century White Clay Zulu Pot with Intricate Diamond Shaped Etchings

Sold

H 7 in W 7 in D 7 in

Early 20th Century White Clay Zulu Pot with Intricate Diamond Shaped Etchings

Located in Amarillo, TX

White clay zulu pot with intricate diamond carvings.

Category

Early 20th Century South African Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Clay

Mata Ortiz Southwest Native American Villalpando Black On Black Pottery Vase

$960Sale Price|20% Off

H 5.5 in W 7 in D 7 in

Mata Ortiz Southwest Native American Villalpando Black On Black Pottery Vase

Located in Big Flats, NY

This is a Mata Ortiz black on black pottery vase, signed by the artist Jeronimo Villalpando. The vase features a traditional olla form with a flared rim and a rounded body. It is ado...

Category

20th Century Native American Objects

Materials

Pottery

Exceptional Primitive Wabi Sabi Large 18Th C. Terracotta Portuguese Vessel

$3,194

H 27.56 in W 20.87 in D 20.87 in

Exceptional Primitive Wabi Sabi Large 18Th C. Terracotta Portuguese Vessel

Located in London, GB

An exceptional large 18th C. terracotta vessel from northern Portugal. Originally used for the storage of oil/wine. Heavily patinated & heavily textured.

Category

Antique 18th Century Portuguese Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Terracotta

Mid-20th Century Globular Vessel, Mangbetu People, D. R. Congo

$3,400

H 11.5 in W 13 in D 13 in

Mid-20th Century Globular Vessel, Mangbetu People, D. R. Congo

Located in Point Richmond, CA

Mid-20th Century Globular Vessel, Mangbetu People, D. R. Congo An unusually large and striking non-figurative vessel from the Mangbetu people, comprised of six lobes joined to a c...

Category

Mid-20th Century Congolese Tribal Urns

Materials

Ceramic

Maria and Santana Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

$7,475

H 6.5 in Dm 5.75 in

Maria and Santana Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

By Navajo

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Black on black pottery jar with very finely etched feather design and three concentric bands, signed Marie and Santana. 1943 -1956; 5 3/4" x 6 1/2". San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico,...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery

Materials

Clay

Signed Santa Clara Pueblo Carved Blackware Vase, Juanita Pueblo, Mid 20th C.

$950

H 6.5 in Dm 6.5 in

Signed Santa Clara Pueblo Carved Blackware Vase, Juanita Pueblo, Mid 20th C.

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Signed Santa Clara Pueblo Carved Blackware Pottery Vase, Juanita Pueblo, Mid-20th Century This sculptural blackware pottery vase is a refined example of the Santa Clara Pueblo schoo...

Category

20th Century American Native American Vases

Materials

Pottery

Vintage Handcrafted Ceramic Vessel

$695

H 13 in W 12 in D 12 in

Vintage Handcrafted Ceramic Vessel

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This vintage ceramic vessel takes a substantial, bulbous form, its rounded body swelling outward before narrowing to a short, gently flared neck and a simple rolled rim. A series of ...

Category

20th Century American Organic Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Late 19th Century North African Hand-Molded Terracotta Vessel

$425

H 4 in Dm 5 in

Late 19th Century North African Hand-Molded Terracotta Vessel

Located in Memphis, TN

A beautifully primitive hand-molded clay vessel originating from North Africa and dating to the late 19th century. Compact and sculptural in form, the vessel features a low rounded b...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century North African Folk Art Vases

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

Maria Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

$7,475

H 6 in Dm 4 in

Maria Martinez Black Ware Pottery Jar

By Navajo

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Black on black pottery jar by Marie Martinez, signed Marie. 1943 - 1956; 4" x 6" San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico, are internationally renowned 20th-century American potters. Inspire...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Native American Pottery

Materials

Clay

Batik Dye Terracotta Jar from Java, Indonesia c. 1900

$870

H 19.69 in Dm 18.9 in

Batik Dye Terracotta Jar from Java, Indonesia c. 1900

Located in Jimbaran, Bali

A terracotta jar from the island of Java once used for storing dyes used for crafting traditional batik textiles. The jar dates to the early 20th century. There is visible wear to th...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Indonesian Tribal Jars

Materials

Terracotta

Large Hand-Carved African Wooden Bowl, Mid-20th Century

$650

H 11.82 in Dm 22.05 in

Large Hand-Carved African Wooden Bowl, Mid-20th Century

Located in Odense, DK

A monumental hand-carved wooden bowl, made in Africa in the mid 20th century. Sculpted from a single solid piece of hardwood, the piece exhibits a beautiful, flared silhouette that m...

Category

Mid-20th Century Folk Art Decorative Bowls

Materials

Wood

Naga Pot, Nagaland, India, mid 20th century

$2,822

H 23.63 in Dm 13 in

Naga Pot, Nagaland, India, mid 20th century

Located in Hønefoss, 30

Hollowed from a single piece of wood, this vessel was originally used for fermenting rice beer in the Naga highlands of northeastern India. Heavy, dark with age, and standing on thre...

Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Primitive Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Wood, Hardwood

Vintage Native American Santa Clara Black ware Pottery Jar Ursulita Naranjo

$305

H 5.91 in W 7.88 in D 7.88 in

Vintage Native American Santa Clara Black ware Pottery Jar Ursulita Naranjo

Located in London, GB

Fine Native American Santa Clara Pottery Jar by Ursulita Naranjo Black ware of Ovoid form with encircling Evanya design Period 1950/60s century

Category

20th Century American Native American Objects

Materials

Pottery

Ban Chiang Burnished and Incised Black Pottery Vessel, 1200-800 BC, Thailand

$4,900

H 12.25 in Dm 13 in

Ban Chiang Burnished and Incised Black Pottery Vessel, 1200-800 BC, Thailand

Located in Austin, TX

A large and dramatic Ban Chiang Culture burnished black pottery vessel with incised geometric designs, early period, circa 1200 - 800 BC, Khorat Plateau, Northeast Thailand. The v...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Thai Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Vintage European Earthenware Vase, Ceramic, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s

$333Sale Price|30% Off

H 8.67 in Dm 9.85 in

Vintage European Earthenware Vase, Ceramic, Mid-Century Modern, 1970s

Located in London, GB

Vintage European earthenware vase (circa 1970s). A very rustic piece with a matt orange hue accented by incised brown markings encircling the body. The same colour encircles the neck...

Category

Vintage 1970s European Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Burmese Organic Clay Terracotta Pot

$1,970Sale Price / item|20% Off

H 25.6 in Dm 29.53 in

Antique Burmese Organic Clay Terracotta Pot

Located in Vienna, AT

Beautiful decorative antique terracotta pots from Burma made of organic clay. They come from a private pot collection of a collector in Thailand. Most of our pots have a manufacturer...

Category

Antique Early 1900s Burmese Other Ceramics

Materials

Clay, Terracotta

‘Leonie’ Asian Ceramic Vase, 13-Inch Diameter, Vintage

$1,050

H 16.5 in Dm 13 in

‘Leonie’ Asian Ceramic Vase, 13-Inch Diameter, Vintage

Located in San Francisco, US

Vintage Asian ceramic vase of generous, sculptural proportions, offering strong presence on a console, pedestal, or low table. Rounded body with a narrower neck measures approximatel...

Category

20th Century Vases

Materials

Ceramic

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African Clay Pots For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of African clay pots for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique African clay pots was constructed with extraordinary care, often using ceramic and clay. African clay pots have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century.

How Much are African Clay Pots?

Prices for African clay pots can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, African clay pots begin at $375 and can go as high as $7,500, while the average can fetch as much as $900.

Questions About African Clay Pots

How are African clay pots made?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
African clay pots are made by coiling the material around a flattened base and then hand-molding it into the desired shape. Then, the piece is sun dried and fired at a low temperature. On 1stDibs, find authentic African clay pots from some of the top sellers around the world.
Are clay pots and terracotta pots the same?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
No, clay pots and terracotta pots are not the same. While terracotta pots are a type of clay pot, not all clay pots are terracotta. Terracotta is a clay material that is modeled and fired to create a signature brown-orange color. Clay pots can be created in any color. Browse a range of both clay and terracotta pots on 1stDibs.
What is an African pot?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
African pottery is diverse and culturally varied. An African pot can be a simple vessel for food or liquid but many carry social and religious significance. African pottery has always been highly sought after and is beloved by antique collectors worldwide. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of antique African pottery from some of the world’s top sellers.
What is the difference between terracotta and clay pots?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A terracotta pot is simply a clay pot that has been fired. Clay is just the name of the material that terracotta pots are made out of. Shop an array of terracotta pots from top sellers around the world on 1stDibs.
Are clay pots good for plants?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
Yes, clay pots are good for plants. These pots provide a healthy environment for most plants because material's porous nature allows air and moisture to penetrate the sides of the pot. Clay pots can remove excess moisture from the potting soil reducing the chance of root rot.