Ladi Kwali Biography: Age, History, Husband, Children, Works, Religion, Cause Of Death, Family, Net Worth

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Biography

Ladi Kwali, born in Nigeria in 1925, was a gifted potter, skilled ceramicist, and passionate educator. Her love of pottery and ceramics propelled her to prominence in art, creating a lasting impression on the Nigerian artistic community. 

Throughout her career, she diligently shared her knowledge and experience with young artists, motivating them to be creative and push the boundaries of traditional ceramic techniques. Ladi Kwali‘s contributions to ceramics are still recognized and appreciated nationally and worldwide. 

Ladi Kwali
Ladi Kwali: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photo
Wiki Facts & About Data
Full Name:	Ladi Kwali
Stage Name:	Ladi
Born:	1925 (age 59 years old)
Place of Birth:	Kwali, Abuja, Nigeria
State Of Origin:	Abuja
Nationality:	Nigerian
Education:	Ahmadu Bello University (1977)
Died:	12 August 1984, Minna
Parents:	N/A
Siblings:	N/A
Spouse:	Married
Boyfriend • Partner:	N/A
Children:	N/A
Occupation:	Potter • Ceramicist
Net Worth:	US$??

Early Life

Ladi Kwali, a gifted potter, was born in the hamlet of Kwali in Northern Nigeria’s Gwari region in 1925. Her name, “Ladi,” implies that she was born on a Sunday, while “Kwali” denotes her birthplace. Pottery-making was a famous female occupation in this area. Ladi’s early exposure to this art form influenced her future as a well-known potter.

Ladi Kwali was fortunate enough to learn ancient pottery-making art from her skilled aunt. This traditional method involved carefully coiling clay and gently using a flat wooden paddle to beat and shape the clay. With this technique, Kwali’s aunt crafted beautiful and functional large pots for various purposes, such as storing water, cooking meals, holding food, and even serving as flasks. As she honed her skills, Kwali‘s early creations were heavily influenced by the Gbagyi style, an indigenous aesthetic known for its intricate geometric patterns and captivating stylized animal motifs.

Ladi Kwali, a renowned artist, has maintained privacy when discussing her personal life with the media. Despite her fame and success, she has chosen not to reveal any information or provide reviews about her parents or siblings. Consequently, little is known about her family background or its dynamics. This deliberate decision to separate her personal life from her professional career adds mystery and intrigue to Ladi Kwali’s impressive artistic journey.

Education

Ladi Kwali‘s journey in pottery began without any formal education in the art form. As a young child, she acquired the knowledge and skills of coiling pottery from her aunt, following the traditional method. However, her talent and passion for pottery caught the attention of others, leading to an incredible opportunity in 1954. 

Ladi Kwali was invited to attend the prestigious Abuja Pottery Centre, where she underwent intensive training in various techniques such as wheel throwing, glazing, kiln firing, producing saggars, and using slips. This experience was groundbreaking, as she became the first woman ever to receive training in these advanced techniques at the center.

Career

In 1950, a notable British potter and educator named Michael Cardew visited Kwali’s village and was incredibly fascinated by her exceptional pottery skills. Recognizing her talent, he invited Ladi Kwali, urging her to enroll at the Abuja Pottery Training Centre he had established in 1952. 

This opportunity marked a significant milestone as Kwali became the first woman to attend the center. Under Cardew‘s guidance, she swiftly blossomed into one of his most gifted students, acquiring expertise in wheel throwing, glazing, kiln firing, production of saggars, and using slip.

Ladi Kwali‘s exceptional talent and artistic achievements led to her gaining immense recognition on a global scale. Her artwork was showcased in solo exhibitions and group shows across various continents, including Europe, the United States, and Africa. 

Her contributions to the art world were recognized and celebrated with significant distinctions, such as the MBE she received in 1962. Her outstanding contribution to the field of art was honored further in 1977 when Ahmadu Bello University awarded her an honorary doctorate.

Awards & Nominations

• Her image was placed on the back of the Nigerian 20 naira banknote in the 2000s
• The Abuja Pottery Training Center was renamed the Ladi Kwali Pottery Training Center in her honor

Social Media

• @LadiKwaliCenter on Twitter and Instagram
• Ladi Kwali Foundation on Facebook
• @LadiKwali on Pinterest

Personal Life

Ladi Kwali, a highly respected potter from Nigeria, was known for her incredible talent and skill in pottery. Despite her fame and success, she remained private, choosing not to divulge much information about her personal life. 

It is widely known that Ladi Kwali was married to a man whose identity remains unknown to the media. The couple had no children together, further adding to the mystery surrounding Ladi Kwali‘s personal life.

Net Worth

Ladi Kwali, the renowned Nigerian potter honored on the 20 naira note, possessed a unique perspective on wealth that diverged from conventional notions. Despite lacking a net worth in the traditional sense, she excelled as a self-taught potter despite never receiving a formal education. 

Remarkably, her artistic creations were not motivated by financial gain; instead, she generously donated her pottery to museums and various institutions. To sustain her family, Ladi Kwali relied on the income garnered from her teaching and lecturing engagements. Thus, her remarkable journey as an artist left a lasting legacy and provided for her loved ones through unconventional means.

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