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Ladi Kwali

Biography

Ladi Kwali (c.1925– 12 August 1984) was a prominent Nigerian potter, ceramicist, and educator, renowned for her exceptional craftsmanship and artistic contributions. Born in the village of Kwali in Northern Nigeria, pottery-making was a longstanding tradition among women in her community. She learned the craft as a child, utilizing the traditional coiling method to create a variety of pottery items including cooking pots, bowls, and flasks. Her pieces were known for their intricate decorative patterns, often featuring depictions of animals like scorpions, lizards, and birds. Kwali’s talent as a potter gained regional recognition, and some of her creations were acquired by prominent figures, including the Emir of Abuja. Notably, Michael Cardew, a renowned figure in pottery, came across her work in 1950 and was deeply impressed. Joining the Abuja Pottery in 1954, Kwali expanded her skills under the mentorship of Michael Cardew. She learned wheel throwing, glazing, and other techniques, eventually becoming an instructor herself. Her creations often bore intricate designs achieved through a combination of incising and inlaying with white kaolin and feldspar slip. Kwali’s distinctive style blended traditional Gwari pottery techniques with elements of western studio pottery. Her work, particularly known for its dark, shiny glaze, was considered representative of its African origin. She employed various tools, including small wooden roulettes, to create patterns on the clay’s surface. Her ceramics gained international acclaim and were featured in exhibitions in countries like Great Britain, France, Germany, and the United States. In recognition of her contributions, the Abuja Pottery was renamed the Ladi Kwali Pottery in the early 1980s. Ladi Kwali’s legacy continues to be celebrated in the field of ceramics.

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1954, Kwali ‘s pots were featured in the International exhibition of Abuja pottery organized by Michael Cardew. Kwali was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1963. In 1977, she was awarded an honorary doctoral degree from Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria. In 1980, the Nigerian Government (from the Cabinet Office of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) invested on her with the insignia of the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM), the highest national honor for academic achievement. She also received the national honour of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1981. Her picture appears on the back of the Nigerian 20 Naira banknote. A major street in Abuja is called Ladi Kwali Road. The Sheraton Hotel houses the Ladi Kwali Convention Center, which is one of the largest conference facilities in Abuja, consisting of ten meeting rooms and four ballrooms. Her works are held in collection all around the world, such as Smithsonian National Museum of African Art, USA, Victoria and Albert Museum, and Aberystwyth University Ceramics Gallery, UK. The 2022 exhibition at Two Temple Place Body Vessel Clay, Black Women, Ceramics & Contemporary Art included Kwali as the starting point for charting 70 years of ceramics by black women artists. The Google Doodle for 16 March 2022 was in honor of Kwali.

Talent

Ladi Kwali

Biography

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