David Drake: Resistance Through Art

The South Carolina potter, David Drake, lived through a time some people would like to erase from American history books. 

But it’s through his artwork that we learn the important human side of slavery. Known simply as Dave throughout his life as an enslaved person, he acquired another name based on his craft. Many people now know him as Dave the Potter. 

Join us as we learn more about this man who created a lasting legacy through his skills on the pottery wheel. 

Let’s explore!

Who Is David Drake

Considered one of the most prolific potters of the 19th century, David Drake created pieces during a difficult time in US history. While not many details about his background are available, historians believe he lived from 1801 to sometime in the 1870s.

Born into slavery in North Carolina, Drake learned to make pottery early in life. His first enslaver, Harvey Drake, operated a factory specializing in alkaline glaze stoneware in Edgefield, South Carolina. During his lifetime, David produced about 40,000 pieces of pottery. 

Drake was also a poet and inscribed many pieces with his own poetry and other markings. We’ll discuss where he likely learned to read and write a bit later. 

The vessels David Drake made were often very large. Most were able to hold between 20 to 40 gallons of liquid. Besides his inscriptions, the size of his pottery also stands out as unique. 

What Is Edgefield Pottery and Why Is It Important?

Known as Pottersville, the Edgefield, South Carolina region produced a distinctive kind of pottery called stoneware. It’s a strong and non-porous material with an outer glaze and finishes in a very high-temperature kiln. The finished product can often last for centuries. 

Many people know of Edgefield for its unique pottery made by enslaved Africans in the 1800s. However, archeologists found earthenware in the area dating back about 4,500 years ago. Native Americans living in the region made these items using red clay. 

But the pottery created by enslaved people in the Edgefield area seems to hold special significance. Abner Landrum was one of the first to open a pottery factory in Edgefield in the early 1800s. But by 1840, many more families opened their own factories. 

Forced labor allowed owners of the new pottery businesses to have enough people to produce thousands of pieces of stoneware. The vessels remaining from this tragic period of US history tell a story, especially the pieces David Drake created. 

What Is the Significance of David Drake’s Pottery?

Drake inscribed each piece with distinctive markings or words. It wasn’t common for enslaved people to be literate. In fact, it was often punishable by cruel actions or, in some cases, death. Additionally, anyone found teaching them to read could also face hefty fines. 

However, it’s possible Abner Landrum, the owner of the pottery factory Henry Drake operated, taught David how to read and write. Landrum ran a local newspaper and was a religious man. Scholars believe he read the Bible with Drake, which is likely how David became literate. 

David Drake inscribed thousands of jars and jugs with poetry and often included numbers indicating how much liquid the vessels held. One such example, dated July 12, 1834, reads, “Put every bit all between. Surely this jar will hold 14.” 

Some of David’s inscriptions seemed to be directly commenting on his situation as an enslaved person. One of his vessels, dated August 15, 1857, includes the following words, “I wonder where is all my relations. Friendship to all and every nation.” 

It seems David Drake was using his skills as a potter and poet to give future generations insight into his world. While he likely had no idea that his pieces would long outlive him, we’re certainly glad they did. 

Is There a Book About David Drake?

Yes, a book called Carolina Clay: The Life and Legend of the Slave Potter Dave tells the story of David Drake. Through studying Drake’s poetry, author Leonard Todd pieced together enough of the potter’s life to create a fascinating publication. 

While Todd received praise for his research, criticism has come his way regarding the portrayal of some of Drake’s enslavers. Incidentally, they also happen to be Todd’s ancestors. Critics say the author portrayed some of the enslavers too favorably, rather than the cruel people they were. 

One thing we do know is that very few, if any, enslavers treated their workers kindly. So it’s possible that Todd, while telling a story others need to know, is covering the harsh reality of his ancestors. 

Where Can I See Some of David Drake’s Art?

Many of the vessels David produced seem to stand the test of time. Pieces archeologists found are now in museum collections around the country. While several galleries house one or two of Drake’s works, the following locations have numerous pots and jugs he created. 

Traveling Exhibit: Hear Me Now

Making its way across the country, this exhibit will display works created by numerous Black potters, including David Drake. The collection includes 50 ceramic objects produced in the Edgefield area during the 1800s. 

Hear Me Now will be at The Met in New York City through February 2023. Following NYC, the exhibit will be at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston through July 2023. Additionally, The Met is selling a 200-page catalog of the entire collection on its website. 

Greenville County Museum of Art

This museum in Greenville, South Carolina, houses the largest collection of David Drake’s pottery. Pieces include a syrup jar, pitchers, storage jars, and a rare butter churn. 

The Greenville County Museum of Art exhibits artwork from artists around the country. Their permanent collection includes watercolors, prints, and paintings in addition to Edgefield pottery. 

Located at 420 College Street, the museum is open Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free, and parking is available behind the building. 

Tell Me More About the International African American Museum

The International African American Museum (IAAM) opens in January 2023. It will play an important part in honoring the history of Africans brought to the Americas for enslavement. Located in Charleston, South Carolina, the building sits on the site where thousands of captive people first set foot in the US. 

The museum will include a Center for Family History where visitors can trace their genealogy to learn more about individual ancestral heritage. There’ll also be numerous educational programs scheduled suitable for people of all ages. 

Visiting hours and other information aren’t available yet on their website, but we’re sure they’ll post it soon. 

Conclusion

Resistance for enslaved people didn’t come easy, if at all. But David Drake was able to use his words to express his feelings about his reality. Remarkably, Drake’s poetry on his pottery will serve to educate future generations about his life during slavery in the US.