In June-July 2023, I was honoured to be a resident artist in the NIROX eco-system of innovation that is evolving in the UNCESCO World Heritage area in South Africa, known as “the Cradle of Humankind.” In collaboration with Villa-Legodi Centre for Sculpture, I designed and led the First Vessels Collective, a project that engaged nearly a hundred youth and adults in hand-forming small pots reminiscent of early humans’ vessel-making. We gathered groups into outdoor community circles over several weeks and used foraged tools—acacia needles, African porcupine quills, stones and foliage—for surface decoration of the clay. The project culminated in an exhibition at which participants could view all the fired vessels and take home their own creation.