Misshapen Flower Pot - 19th Century

3D Model

This flower pot was found during excavations of a privy/outhouse for Saints’ Rest, MSU’s first dormitory which burned down in 1876.

Since privies are places where you can easily dispose of trash, it is likely this wheel-thrown flower pot was discarded either due to it possibly being broken (but was fully reconstructed) or due to its overall apperance. It is clear that it was not made by a master potter. Bulges near the base and indents from it being picked up while the clay was still wet and maleable indicate it was a vessel made by an amateur or hobbyist. Additionally, the potter touched the sides of the flower pot with wet and clay covered hands before its final firing, resulting in smudges and marks on the body.

Despite this pot being less than perfect, this artifact may have more “personality”. The mistakes on the vessel highlight its connection to its maker who could have been frustrated, proud, or both with how it turned out.

Model created by Jack A. Biggs using Agisoft Metashape.