Biography
Ladi Dosei Kwali (c. 1925 – 12 August 1984) was a renowned Nigerian potter and ceramicist, celebrated for her contributions to the art of pottery in Nigeria and beyond. Born in the village of Kwali in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria, she learned the craft from her aunt, mastering the traditional coiling method. Her work, characterized by large pots used as water jars, cooking pots, and bowls, was distinguished by its intricate geometric and figurative patterns, often depicting local wildlife such as scorpions and lizards. Kwali's exceptional skill and artistry earned her regional acclaim, leading to her work being collected by the emir of Abuja. Her talent caught the attention of Michael Cardew, a British studio potter, who invited her to join the Pottery Training Centre in Suleja, where she further honed her skills and gained international recognition. Her contributions to pottery were acknowledged with several honors, including the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). Ladi Kwali's legacy endures, not only through her works displayed in museums worldwide but also through the Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre, which continues to inspire and train new generations of potters.
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Biography
Ladi Dosei Kwali (c. 1925 – 12 August 1984) was a renowned Nigerian potter and ceramicist, celebrated for her contributions to the art of pottery in Nigeria and beyond. Born in the village of Kwali in the Gwari region of Northern Nigeria, she learned the craft from her aunt, mastering the traditional coiling method. Her work, characterized by large pots used as water jars, cooking pots, and bowls, was distinguished by its intricate geometric and figurative patterns, often depicting local wildlife such as scorpions and lizards. Kwali's exceptional skill and artistry earned her regional acclaim, leading to her work being collected by the emir of Abuja. Her talent caught the attention of Michael Cardew, a British studio potter, who invited her to join the Pottery Training Centre in Suleja, where she further honed her skills and gained international recognition. Her contributions to pottery were acknowledged with several honors, including the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and the Nigerian National Order of Merit (NNOM). Ladi Kwali's legacy endures, not only through her works displayed in museums worldwide but also through the Ladi Kwali Pottery Centre, which continues to inspire and train new generations of potters.
Track Ladi Kwali
Get notifications when works come to auction, and access market analytics
Create Free AccountAlready have an account? Sign In
Professional documentation gives you clarity, portability, and confidence in your collection.
Learn why collectors document their holdings onlineYour collection, accessible anywhere
Access your collection from any device with our cloud-based platform. Native mobile apps provide seamless synchronization and offline browsing, ensuring your collection data is always at hand.