NMAAHC Collections Search

Moses Basket with Handle

Created by: Jackson, Mary A., American, born 1945

Medium: sweetgrass, bulrush, palmetto fronds
Dimensions: H x W x D: 23 1/4 × 18 1/2 × 18 1/2 in. (59 × 47 × 47 cm)

Type: baskets

Place made: Richland County, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Date: 2001

Description: A sweetgrass basket made by Mary A. Jackson. The large, oval shaped Moses style basket has curved edges and is shaped like a bassinet. Extending from the rim is a large central handle. The body of the basket is made from darker colored bulrush, contrasting with the lighter colored palmetto wrappings in a symmetrical pattern. The rim and handle are made from lighter colored sweetgrass.

Topic: African American; American South; Art; Communities; Craftsmanship; Domestic life; Folklife

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Juliette Bethea in memory of Flora Wilson Bethea

Object number: 2017.82.4

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Visual Arts; Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pew from the Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Commissioned by: Unidentified
Used by: Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, American, founded 1844

Medium: wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 47 × 51 × 29 in., 90 lb. (119.4 × 129.5 × 73.7 cm, 40.8 kg)

Type: pews

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

Date: 1891

Description: A dark-stained oak church pew with decoratively carved top crowns and sculptured ends. A brass plaque on the end identifies it as number 58.

Topic: African American; Craftsmanship; Religious groups

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chicago, Illinois

Object number: 2006.1

Restrictions & Rights: Public Domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Religious and Sacred Objects; Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
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

Boat seat with spider web design from Ecuador

Created by: Unidentified
Used by: Nazareno, Débora, Ecuadorian
Owned by: Juan García Salazar, Ecuadorian, 1944 - 2017

Medium: wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 5 1/2 x 12 7/8 x 14 3/4 in. (14 x 32.7 x 37.5 cm)

Type: seating

Place made: Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Latin America, South America

Date: early 20th century

Description: A carved wooden boat seat with two legs and a concave center. The seat has a design etched into its surface of a spider web. A spider is at the center of the web.

Topic: African American; African diaspora; Art; Craftsmanship; Folklife; Ornamentation; Transportation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Juan Garcia Salazar

Object number: 2008.18

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
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

Bobblehead doll in the form of "Mammy"

Created by: Bouge, Cindee, American

Medium: papier mâché , metal and glass
Dimensions: 10 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 4 7/8 in. (26 x 9.5 x 12.4 cm)

Type: character dolls

Date: 2000-2007

Description: A papier mâché bobblehead doll in the form of "Mammy." The doll's head and body are attached by a metal spring. Her nose, cheeks, and lips are red. The figure has glass eyes with brown irises. A white kerchief with black polka dots covers her head. She has bare feet and is wearing a yellow dress with black polka dots. The dress has a black ruffle over the breast and a black shawl is tied around her neck. Her breasts and backside protrude out from the body. The figure is mounted on a round black base. Signed on the back, at the bottom right [Cindee / Bouge].

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Craftsmanship; 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: 2007.7.110

Restrictions & Rights: © Cindee Bouge. Permission required for use.

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: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
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

Papier mâché container in the form of "Mammy's" head

Created by: Bouge, Cindee, American

Medium: paint on papier mâché and cloth
Dimensions: 8 1/4 x 8 x 8 1/2 in. (21 x 20.3 x 21.6 cm)

Type: containers

Date: 2003

Description: Papier mâché container in the form of "Mammy's" head. The container is spherical, with a round hole cut out at the top, revealing a hollow inside. The face has a prominent nose and large red lips. Yellow flower-print fabric is adhered around the head and tied as a kerchief. The print features blue, red, and yellow flowers with green stems. The bottom of the container is signed, in black [Cindee / Bouge / 2003]

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Craftsmanship; Domestic life; 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: 2007.7.111

Restrictions & Rights: © Cindee Bouge. Permission required for use.

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: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
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

Black Uncle Sam pieced miniature quilt

Created by: Blumrich, Stephen, German-American, 1941 - 2015

Medium: cotton
Dimensions: H x W x D: 30 × 21 7/8 × 1/4 in. (76.2 × 55.6 × 0.6 cm)

Type: quilts

Place made: Tullahoma, Coffee County, Tennessee, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1986

Description: This miniature quilt or wall hanging made by Stephen Blumrich of Pea Ridge Purties features twelve (12) pieced Black Uncle Sam blocks separated by sashing. The quilt consists of the pieced top layer, a thin layer of batting, and a plain muslin backing. The layers are tied together with red thread, each tie corresponding to make a button at the center chest of the shirt of the pieced figural blocks. Each figure wears a red and white striped top hat with a blue brim and has his arms outstretched. The faces and hands are made from plain black cotton. Yellow eyes and a red mouth are embroidered on each face. All of the figures wear red and white striped pants matching the hats, but each figure's shirt is made from a different printed cotton. The background of the figural blocks is made from a plain muslin that appears to have been dyed with tea or coffee to appear aged. The blocks are set with sashing made from a navy cotton with small floral sprig design, with a yellow fabric in the sashing corners that is fussy cut so that a five-pointed star is at the center of the squares. The top is surrounded by a thin border made from plain red cotton. The backing of the quilt is made from a single piece of the same plain muslin dyed with coffee or tea that is used in the background of the figural blocks. Stamped in the lower right corner of the back is a rectangle in dark brown with uncolored text inside reading "PEA RIDGE / PURTIES." Text stamped in dark brown below the box reads "COPYRIGHT 1986 / STEPHEN BLUMRICH".

Topic: African American; Art; Caricature and cartoons; Craftsmanship; Folklife

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: 2007.7.263

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design; Textiles-Quilts

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Wax figurine of a vegetable vendor

Created by: Rosado, Lucy Alfonso Alfaro, American, 1894 - 1978

Medium: glass, metal, wood, cloth, wax and plastic
Dimensions: H x W x D (2007.7.447a): 8 3/8 × 4 15/16 × 4 15/16 in. (21.3 × 12.5 × 12.5 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.447b): 1 3/8 × 5 3/4 × 5 3/4 in. (3.5 × 14.6 × 14.6 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.447c): 7 1/4 × 3 × 3 in. (18.4 × 7.6 × 7.6 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.447d): 2 1/4 × 3 × 2 1/4 in. (5.7 × 7.6 × 5.7 cm)

Type: figurines

Place made: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1935-1940

Description: A wax figurine of a vegetable vendor with a basket of produce.; 2007.7.447a:; A clear, glass display dome. The glass is one-sixteenth of an inch (1/16") thick.; 2007.7.447b:; A black plinth for the figurine and produce basket. The plinth is round and has two (2) round tiers atop three (3) rectangular feet.; 2007.7.447c:; A figurine of a vegetable vendor standing on a square, dark brown wood block. The man is wearing a yellow hat, yellow patterned fabric shirt, and blue and off-white striped fabric pants. His feet are black. A red and white striped kerchief is tied around his neck. The figure is standing with his proper right arm reaching forward. There is hardened wax on the top surface of the wood block around the figure's feet and in a circle in front of him.; 2007.7.447d:; A plastic miniature of a basket filled with produce. The basket is yellow plastic, with a woven design around the sides. The basket is filled with produce. Identifiable produce includes a head of cabbage and an eggplant. On each side of the cabbage head are three (3) yellow tubular vegetables and three (3) red tubular vegetables. A yellow gourd-like item sits in front of the cabbage, next to the eggplant. Another loose eggplant is included with the basket.

Topic: African American; Agriculture; Caricature and cartoons; Craftsmanship; 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: 2007.7.447a-d

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: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
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

Teapot made by Peter Bentzon

Created by: Bentzon, Peter, American, ca. 1783 - after 1850

Medium: silver and wood
Dimensions: H x W: 7 x 12 x 5 in. (17.8 x 30.5 x 12.7 cm)

Type: teapots

Place made: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1817-1829

Description: The silver teapot has an oval vase-shape on a spreading pedestal foot, with curved spout capped by an incised patera and wooden leaf-capped scroll handle, and hinged domed cover with acorn finial. The scripted monogram "MC" has been engraved on the side and the name "Rebecca Dawson" has been engraved along the bottom rim.

Topic: African American; African diaspora; Craftsmanship; Free communities of color; Ornamentation; United States--History--1815-1861

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

Object number: 2010.14

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Exhibition: Slavery and Freedom
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Chair with corn husk seat woven by Johnnie Ree Jackson

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: wood , husk
Dimensions: H x W x D: 33 1/2 x 17 1/2 x 16 in. (85.1 x 44.5 x 40.6 cm)

Type: chairs

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A ladder back chair with a husk bottom refurbished by Johnnie Ree Jackson. The chair back has three wood slats between two wood uprights. Corn husk is woven across the seat frame to create seat. The seat is supported by four legs connected with an upper and lower slat on each side.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.1

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle hat

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D: 3 1/2 x 11 x 12 in. (8.9 x 27.9 x 30.5 cm)

Type: hats

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A hat made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Clothing and dress; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.2

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Clothing-Historical

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 5/8 x 3 1/8 x 2 5/8 in. (4.1 x 7.9 x 6.7 cm); Diameter (saucer): 3 3/4 x 9/16 in. (9.5 x 1.4 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.1a) and saucer (2011.143.3.1b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.1ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 9/16 x 3 1/8 x 2 5/8 in. (4 x 7.9 x 6.7 cm); Diameter (saucer): 3 1/2 x 1/2 in. (8.9 x 1.3 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.2a) and saucer (2011.143.3.2b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.2ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 7/8 x 3 1/4 x 2 5/8 in. (4.8 x 8.3 x 6.7 cm); Diameter (saucer): 3 3/4 x 5/8 in. (9.5 x 1.6 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.3a) and saucer (2011.143.3.3b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.3ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 3/4 x 2 15/16 x 2 7/16 in. (4.4 x 7.5 x 6.2 cm); Diameter (saucer): 3 7/8 x 1/2 in. (9.8 x 1.3 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.4a) and saucer (2011.143.3.4b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.4ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 5/8 x 3 x 2 1/2 in. (4.1 x 7.6 x 6.4 cm); Diameter: 3 5/8 x 1/2 in. (9.2 x 1.3 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.5a) and saucer (2011.143.3.5b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.5ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pine needle cup and saucer

Created by: Jackson, Johnnie Ree, American, born 1904

Medium: leaf (plant material) , thread
Dimensions: H x W x D (cup): 1 7/8 x 3 3/8 x 2 5/8 in. (4.8 x 8.6 x 6.7 cm); Diameter (saucer): 4 x 5/8 in. (10.2 x 1.6 cm)

Type: saucers; teacups

Place made: Talbot County, Georgia, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1980s

Description: A cup (2011.143.3.6a) and saucer (2011.143.3.6b) made of woven pine needles held together by thread.

Topic: African American; American South; Craftsmanship; Women

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

Object number: 2011.143.3.6ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Stoneware storage jar

Created by: Dave the Potter, American, circa 1800 - circa 1870

Medium: ceramic and glaze
Dimensions: H x W: 17 x 15 1/2 in. (43.2 x 39.4 cm)

Type: jars

Place made: Edgefield County, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1852

Description: Edgefield stoneware storage jar, ovoid form with tooled rim and two small handles on the upper portion of body near rim. Signed and dated by artist vertically at upper body.

Topic: African American; Craftsmanship; Slavery

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

Object number: 2011.69

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Exhibition: Slavery and Freedom
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 3, C3 053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Bed frame designed by Henry Boyd

Designed by: Boyd, Henry, American, 1802 - 1886
Manufactured by: Boyd Manufacturing Company, American, ca. 1830 - 1870

Medium: wood
Dimensions: H x W x D: 79 × 57 × 84 in., 140 lb. (200.7 × 144.8 × 213.4 cm, 63.5 kg)

Type: beds (furniture)

Place made: Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America

Date: ca. 1840

Description: A wooden four poster bed frame with head board and foot board. The side rails screw into the frame providing greater strength and limited hiding places for vermin. This type of frame is known as the "Boyd Bedstead."

Topic: African American; Business; Craftsmanship; Emancipation; Freedom; Men; Race discrimination; Slavery; Technology; United States--History--1815-1861; United States--History--1865-1921

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

Object number: 2012.113.1a-m

Restrictions & Rights: Public Domain

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Slavery and Freedom Objects; Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Exhibition: Making a Way Out of No Way
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Community/Third Floor, 3 050

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Flight

Created by: C. Edgar Patience, American, 1906 - 1972

Medium: anthracite
Dimensions: H x W x D: 2 11/16 × 2 3/8 × 1 7/16 in. (6.8 × 6 × 3.6 cm)

Type: sculpture

Place made: Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1960s

Description: This anthracite coal sculpture by C. Edgar Patience features an abstract sculpted upper portion with jagged, irregular edges protruding from the top of a rectangular polished base with rounded corners. A paper label adhered to the bottom of the base reads in printed black ink "Flight / N.F.S.".

Topic: African American; Art; Craftsmanship; Folklife

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dr. Juanita Patience Moss and descendants

Object number: 2016.70.1

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Visual Arts; Documents and Published Materials

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Anthracite coal heart-shaped pendant attributed to C. Edgar Patience

Created by: C. Edgar Patience, American, 1906 - 1972
Designed by: Patience, Harry Brazier, American, 1877 - 1926

Medium: anthracite, pyrite, and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D: 3/16 × 1 × 1 1/4 in. (0.5 × 2.5 × 3.1 cm)

Type: pendants (jewelry)

Place collected: Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America

Date: 1969

Description: This heart-shaped pendant carved from anthracite coal is attributed to C. Edgar Patience from a design by his father Harry Brazier Patience. A design of inlaid pyrite of a circle with four (4) small leaves, two on each side of the circle, is placed on the front of the pendant. The reverse of the pendant is plain with the numbers "1969" engraved across it. A length of wire is attached around the sides of the pendant, coming to a loop at the center top so the pendant can be attached to a necklace.

Topic: African American; Art; Beauty culture; Craftsmanship; Folklife; Ornamentation

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Dr. Juanita Patience Moss and descendants

Object number: 2016.70.2

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Adornment
Exhibition: A Century in the Making
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse, C X06

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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