NMAAHC Collections Search

Iron cooking pot hook from the Brock Plantation

Manufactured by: Unidentified

Medium: iron
Dimensions: H x W x D: 48 × 2 × 3 in. (121.9 × 5.1 × 7.6 cm)

Type: pothooks

Place used: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 19th century

Caption: This cooking pot hook came from a slave cabin that once stood on the Brock Plantation in the Princess Anne (Pungo/Backbay) area of Virginia Beach.
Description: A wrought iron cooking pot hook. The artifact has a large hook on one end with a smaller hook facing the opposite direction on the other end. The hook has nine holes along its length. The artifact has a pitted surface with spots of corrosion.

Topic: African American; Cooking and dining; Domestic life; Foodways; Labor; Slavery

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Brock Family

Object number: 2017.39.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Iron cooking pot hook from the Brock Plantation

Manufactured by: Unidentified

Medium: iron
Dimensions: H x W x D: 30 1/2 × 1 1/2 × 2 1/2 in. (77.5 × 3.8 × 6.4 cm)

Type: pothooks

Place used: Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 19th century

Description: A wrought iron cooking pot hook. The artifact has eight holes along its length and a large hook on one end. The other end is bent and flattened with a hole at the end. Another hooked piece of metal runs through this hole allowing the pot hook’s length to be adjusted using the eight holes in the larger piece of metal. The artifact has a pitted surface with spots of corrosion.

Topic: African American; Cooking and dining; Domestic life; Foodways; Labor; Slavery

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Brock Family

Object number: 2017.39.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster can used by Booth Fisheries Corp.

Distributed by: Booth Fisheries Corp., American, founded 1850

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 7 3/8 × 6 5/8 × 6 5/8 in. (18.7 × 16.8 × 16.8 cm)

Type: cans

Place used: Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States, North and Central America

Date: late 20th century

Description: A one gallon tin can for fresh oysters distributed by Booth fisheries Corp. The can is white with blue text. The corporation’s logo is in the center of the can. Text above the logo reads “ATLANTIC COAST / FRESH OYSTERS.” Text below the logo reads “BOOTH / NET CONTENT 1 GALLON 3.63 L.” Recipes for oyster stew, fried oysters are printed to the right of the logo. Printed to the left of the logo is a list of other products sold by Booth Fisheries Corp. The seam of the can is between the recipes and additional product information.

Topic: African American; Business; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.10

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Mug and lid for "Jolly Boy Black Tea" depicting a “picaninny” boy

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: tin and paint
Dimensions: H x W x D (2007.7.188a): 3 3/16 × 4 5/8 × 3 5/8 in. (8.1 × 11.7 × 9.2 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.188b): 1 3/8 × 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (3.5 × 8.9 × 8.9 cm)

Type: coffee cups

Date: 20th century

Description: A tin coffee mug (2007.7.183a) and lid (2007.7.10.183b) depicting a “picaninny” boy. The mug and lid are white with some black accents around the edge and the handle. The image on the side of the mug features a cartoon depiction of a boy hanging from the letters [J] and [Y] in the word [Jolly] in a red rimmed yellow circle against a green background. Above and below the child, in red letters, is the text [JOLLY / BOY / BLACK TEA].

Topic: African American; Advertising; Caricature and cartoons; Cooking and dining; Domestic life; Foodways; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.188ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Souvenir spoon depicting a caricature of a boy and an alligator

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: sterling silver
Dimensions: 4 1/4 x 7/8 x 1/4 in. (10.8 x 2.2 x 0.6 cm)

Type: spoons

Date: ca. 1900-1930s

Description: A souvenir spoon from Florida. The raised design on the bowl features a flamingo standing next to a tree on a shoreline with the text [FLORIDA]. The design on the front of the handle features a caricature of a boy's face and an alligator, its tail wrapped around the boy's head. The back of the handle features the back of the boy’s head and three palm trees. Raised lettering on the handle, next to a small four-leaf clover, reads [STERLING · THOMAS TUGBY ·]

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Cooking and dining; Ornamentation; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.39

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pair of salt and pepper shakers in form of "Mammy" and "Chef"

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: ceramic and gold leaf
Dimensions: H x W x D (2007.7.6.1): 4 7/8 × 1 7/8 × 1 7/8 in. (12.4 × 4.8 × 4.8 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.6.2): 5 × 2 1/4 × 1 3/4 in. (12.7 × 5.7 × 4.4 cm)

Type: containers for serving and consuming food

Date: 1950s

Description: Ceramic salt shaker (2007.7.6.1), in the form of "Chef," who is depicted wearing a white chef's uniform, an apron outlined in gold, black shoes, and a white chef's hat with a red mark on the hat rim. "Chef" is holding a red spoon with his proper right hand. There is a gold [S] painted on the bottom center edge of the apron. There are three salt shaker holes at the top of the hat.; Ceramic pepper shaker (2007.7.6.2), in the form of "Mammy," who is depicted wearing a white dress, white apron edged in gold and a white scarf with gold decoration and a red kerchief covering her head. “Mammy” is holding red spoon with her proper left hand. There is a gold [P] painted on the bottom center edge of the apron. There are three pepper shaker holes at top of the kerchief.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Cooking and dining; Domestic life; Foodways; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.6.1-.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Knife from the Tubman household

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Tubman, Harriet, American, 1822 - 1913

Medium: wood and metal
Dimensions: H x W: 9 1/8 x 1 in. (23.2 x 2.5 cm)

Type: knives (culinary tools)

Place used: Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1870s

Description: Wooden-handled knife from the Tubman household.

Topic: African American; Cooking and dining; Domestic life; United States--History--1865-1921

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Blockson

Object number: 2009.50.35a

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Fork from the Tubman household

Created by: Unidentified
Owned by: Tubman, Harriet, American, 1822 - 1913

Medium: wood and metal
Dimensions: H x W: 7 1/2 x 1 in. (19.1 x 2.5 cm)

Type: forks

Place used: Auburn, Cayuga County, New York, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1870s

Description: Wooden-handled fork from the Tubman household.

Topic: African American; Cooking and dining; Domestic life; United States--History--1865-1921

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Blockson

Object number: 2009.50.35b

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Refrigerator patent model made by Thomas Elkins

Created by: Elkins, Thomas, American

Medium: metal , ceramic , paint , wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 4 x 3 15/16 x 9 3/4 in. (10.2 x 10 x 24.8 cm)

Type: models (representations)

Date: 1879

Description: A patent model of Thomas Elkins' refrigerator design. The model is metal with ceramic interior. The exterior is tarnished and has a design on the top. On one end there is a spout that looks like a funnel. There is a wood base with eighteen holes in the bottom of the model.

Topic: African American; Design; Technology

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2012.113.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster knife

Manufactured by: Unidentified

Medium: metal, wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 11/16 × 1 1/2 × 1 1/2 in. (14.4 × 3.8 × 3.8 cm)

Type: oyster knives

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: 20th century

Description: A wood handled oyster knife. The handle of the knife is pear shaped and completely covers the knife’s tang, which inserts into the handle. The blade is flat and dull and terminates in a curved point.

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways; Labor

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster can used by H. B. Kennerly & Son, Inc.

Distributed by: H. B. Kennerly & Son, Inc., American, 1935 - 2005

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 7 3/8 × 6 5/8 × 6 11/16 in. (18.7 × 16.8 × 17 cm)

Type: cans

Place used: Nanticoke, Wilcomico County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1935-1950

Description: A one gallon tin can for the Seacrest brand of oysters distributed by H. B. Kennerly & Son, Inc. The can is grey, black and green. The image on the can is of a green sailboat on a green sea with black and grey clouds in the background. Printed over the sail of the boat in black and green text is “OYSTERS / HUITRES.” This is also printed on the opposite side of the can in solid green text. This text is in a green and black outlined box with an oyster above it. All text on the can is printed in both English and French. The lid of the can is painted white. Printed in the center of the lid in black text is “STANDARDS.” Warning labels are printed above and below this.

Topic: African American; Business; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.11

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster knife

Manufactured by: Unidentified

Medium: metal, wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 7 5/16 × 1 1/16 × 7/8 in. (18.6 × 2.7 × 2.2 cm)

Type: oyster knives

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: 20th century

Description: A wood handled oyster knife. The rectangular handle knife has three metal rivets and the tang is visible on the top, bottom and pommel sides of the knife. One side of the blade is very worn and chipped. The blade terminates in a curved point.

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways; Labor

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster fork

Manufactured by: Wallace Silversmiths, American, founded 1833

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/2 in. (14.1 × 1.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type: oyster forks

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: late 20th century

Description: A silver plate oyster fork with three tines. The middle tine is straight while the two side tines curve outward, away from the middle tine. The handle has a beaded border with a basic scroll motif on the end. Embossed on the back of the handle is a maker’s mark that reads “WALLACE PLATE PAT. 97826.”

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.3.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster fork

Manufactured by: Wallace Silversmiths, American, founded 1833

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/2 in. (14.1 × 1.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type: oyster forks

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: late 20th century

Description: A silver plate oyster fork with three tines. The middle tine is straight while the two side tines curve outward, away from the middle tine. The handle has a beaded border with a basic scroll motif on the end. Embossed on the back of the handle is a maker’s mark that reads “WALLACE PLATE PAT. 97826.”

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.3.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster fork

Manufactured by: Wallace Silversmiths, American, founded 1833

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/2 in. (14.1 × 1.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type: oyster forks

Place used: Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, United States, North and Central America

Date: late 20th century

Description: A silver plate oyster fork with three tines. The middle tine is straight while the two side tines curve outward, away from the middle tine. The handle has a beaded border with a basic scroll motif on the end. Embossed on the back of the handle is a maker’s mark that reads “WALLACE PLATE PAT. 97826.”

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.3.3

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster fork

Manufactured by: Wallace Silversmiths, American, founded 1833

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/2 in. (14.1 × 1.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type: oyster forks

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: late 20th century

Description: A silver plate oyster fork with three tines. The middle tine is straight while the two side tines curve outward, away from the middle tine. The handle has a beaded border with a basic scroll motif on the end. Embossed on the back of the handle is a maker’s mark that reads “WALLACE PLATE PAT. 97826.”

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.3.4

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster fork

Manufactured by: Wallace Silversmiths, American, founded 1833

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/2 in. (14.1 × 1.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type: oyster forks

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: late 20th century

Description: A silver plate oyster fork with three tines. The middle tine is straight while the two side tines curve outward, away from the middle tine. The handle has a beaded border with a basic scroll motif on the end. Embossed on the back of the handle is a maker’s mark that reads “WALLACE PLATE PAT. 97826.”

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.3.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster fork

Manufactured by: Wallace Silversmiths, American, founded 1833

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 9/16 × 9/16 × 1/2 in. (14.1 × 1.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type: oyster forks

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: late 20th century

Description: A silver plate oyster fork with three tines. The middle tine is straight while the two side tines curve outward, away from the middle tine. The handle has a beaded border with a basic scroll motif on the end. Embossed on the back of the handle is a maker’s mark that reads “WALLACE PLATE PAT. 97826.”

Topic: African American; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.3.6

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Shucking Bucket

Manufactured by: Unidentified

Medium: metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 11 7/8 × 7 1/16 × 7 1/8 in. (30.2 × 17.9 × 18.1 cm); H x W x D (with handle up): 17 1/4 × 1/4 × 7 1/8 in. (43.8 × 0.6 × 18.1 cm)

Type: buckets (vessels)

Place used: Maryland, United States, Chesapeake Bay, North and Central America

Date: 20th century

Description: A cylindrical metal shucking bucket. The bucket has a welded seam along the bottom. The top edge of the bucket is rolled outward to form curved a rim. The handle is a bent metal rod inserted into holes at the top of the bucket. The ends of the rod are bent over on the inside of the bucket.

Topic: African American; Communities; Foodways; Labor

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.6

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Oyster can used by H. B. Kennerly & Son, Inc.

Distributed by: H. B. Kennerly & Son, Inc., American, 1935 - 2005

Medium: metal, plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 × 3 9/16 × 3 9/16 in. (5.1 × 9 × 9 cm)

Type: cans

Place used: Nanticoke, Wicomico County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1935-1950

Description: An eight ounce tin can for the Maryland House brand of oysters distributed by H. B. Kennerly & Son, Inc. The can is white with red and black text. On the front of the can in the top half is the brand name “Maryland / House” in black, stylistic font. Behind the text on the front is a light gray graphic of a house with a large, two-story portico. Below the graphic in red block text is “FRESH / OYSTERS” with the net contents of the can printed below that. On the left side of the can printed in red and black text is “PERISHABLE / KEEP / REFRIGERATED / DISTRIBUTED BY / H. B. KENNERLY & SON, INC. / NANTICOKE, MD. 21840 / SEE LID FOR SIZE DESIGNATION.” On the back of the can is a recipe for sauteed oysters. The top of the can includes a clear plastic top.

Topic: African American; Business; Communities; Cooking and dining; Foodways; Labor

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Object number: 2013.195.7

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Culinary
Exhibition: Cultural Expressions
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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