Algerian Pottery

The artifacts displayed here are ceramics from northern Algeria. Albert E. Jenks from the University of Minnesota purchased this assemblage in 1930 from the collector Arthur DeBruge. Although our records are very limited for this collection, we know the vessels are of Modern Arab tradition, which lasted until first third of the 19th century.

The labels on each piece of pottery in the case can tell us more about their origins. For example, this pottery came from several different marabouts in Algeria. The Arabic word "marabout" refers to a holy Islamic site, such as a shrine or tomb. These vessels were once located in marabouts in the cities of Constantine, Bizot, and El Malah.

Display created by: Anna Munns