Ukhamba / Beer pot

A Zulu clay pot from Mahlabathini Kwazulu Natal, blackened by smoke fire. Zulu clay pots are made for different functions, namely for drinking beer, brewing beer, storing beer, drinking of sour milk and carrying water. Recently the Ingcazi with three or four spouts are made in number and sold in the tourist trade as flower pots. The shorter pots with a wider girth and a thin mouth are usally used as brewing vats and the slightly taller pots with a slimmer girth and wider mouth are used for drinking beer. There are also the taller storage and pouring vessels.The clay used is also dependent on the intended function. The pots are usually blacked with cow dung or painted for decoration. The pots will be named according to function and technique.