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  • topic: "Ornamentation"
Your search found 62 result(s).
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  • Square metal design by Art Smith

    Created by
    Smith, Art, American, 1917 - 1982
    Date
    mid 20th century
    Medium
    copper alloy and silver
    Dimensions
    Archives: 7.8Feet (0.1Meters)
    H x W x D: 1 × 1 × 3/16 in. (2.5 × 2.6 × 0.5 cm)
    Description
    The piece is made up of squares or diamonds (depending on proper orientation) of various metals overlaid and increasing in size from top to bottom. The smallest and top square is most likely silver. The second square is a copper alloy and the third is a darker colored copper alloy. The last and largest square could be a white metal, possibly silver.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Art Smith Archive
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    metalwork
    Topic
    Art
    Business
    Craftsmanship
    Design
    Fashion
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Russell
    Object number
    A2018.110.1.1.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Estate of Art Smith. Permission required for use.
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd558a2b409-caf7-46a3-a930-44e48f0482e8
  • Triangular metal logo design by Art Smith

    Created by
    Smith, Art, American, 1917 - 1982
    Date
    ca. 1981
    Medium
    copper alloy, brass (alloy), and silver
    Dimensions
    Archives: 7.8Feet (0.1Meters)
    H x W x D: 1 × 1 5/16 × 1/8 in. (2.5 × 3.4 × 0.3 cm)
    Description
    The second piece has Art Smith’s initials [as] over lapping to form a flat-topped pyramid. The piece consists of 3 different metals overlaid and soldered together. The [a] in the lower left corner is probably made of silver. The [s] is brass and the back plate holding both letters together is likely copper.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Art Smith Archive
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    metalwork
    Topic
    Art
    Business
    Craftsmanship
    Design
    Fashion
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Russell
    Object number
    A2018.110.1.1.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Estate of Art Smith. Permission required for use.
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55470d1db-4bac-472e-b5fc-e0ee7cbff4a7
  • "Three Gap" cuff in process

    Created by
    Smith, Art, American, 1917 - 1982
    Date
    ca. 1949
    Medium
    brass (alloy)
    Dimensions
    Archives: 7.8Feet (0.1Meters)
    H x W x D (unfinished three-hole wrist cuff): 3 1/8 × 5 7/8 × 5/16 in. (8 × 15 × 0.8 cm)
    Caption
    This unfinished cuff is an example of an Art Smith design mid-production process. The brass plate has been cut according to a three hole design pattern. The four pencil drawn lines, two on either side of the holes, most likely were used to determine the placement of the holes. The brass piece is ready to be shaped, finished and polished into a wearable bracelet. According to Smith's partner, Charles L. Russell, this design preceded and was the basic model for the "Three Hole" cuff.
    Description
    An unfinished brass wrist cuff with scalloped edges and three teardrop-shaped holes. There is an additional scallop edge cut into the center of the piece. This central scallop takes up about three quarters of the piece. The teardrop-shaped holes have a star-burst pattern radiating outwards from the holes. There are four straight lines drawn in graphite on either side of the holes. The sunburst motif does not continue on the holes of the verso. The artist's mark [Art Smith] has been imprinted into the lower edge of the verso.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Art Smith Archive
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    metalwork
    cuffs (costume components)
    Topic
    Art
    Craftsmanship
    Design
    Fashion
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Russell
    Object number
    A2018.110.1.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Estate of Art Smith. Permission required for use.
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd546fab7e1-7c94-4af9-9bc5-050e8b3f7be0
  • Necklace pendant worn by Baba Chuck

    Designed by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Davis, Charles Rudolph, American, 1937 - 2017
    Date
    late 20th-early 21st century
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    Medium
    sterling silver
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (Overal with lanyard): 23 5/8 × 3 1/4 × 7/16 in. (60 × 8.3 × 1.1 cm)
    H x W x D (Pendant): 7 1/4 × 3 1/4 × 5/16 in. (18.4 × 8.3 × 0.8 cm)
    H x W x D (A2018.98.1.2 (necklace in curled display position)): 9 × 7 × 3/4 in. (22.9 × 17.8 × 1.9 cm)
    Description
    A large necklace pendant attached to a lanyard (A2018.98.1.2.2) worn by dancer Charles Rudolph Davis, also known as Baba Chuck. The pendant is comprised of two (2) pieces: a large spoon shaped piece and a squat column shaped piece. The large spoon shaped piece has a roughly oval shaped body that narrows at the shoulders of the spoon to a rounded off point at the top. The point at the top is decorated with a molded floral pattern: two (2) five (5) petal flowers and a rose. The top of the spoon pendant has a small hole that is threaded through with a jump ring, attached to a teardrop shaped bail. The body of the spoon pendant is polished silver with cutouts shaped like Africa and Madagascar. The name [BabaChuck], in silver, runs across the top half of the Africa cut out. There are two (2) small round perforations at the bottom of the spoon pendant where it is attached it to the squat column shaped piece with three (3) jump rings on each side. The squat column shaped piece has an ovular cutout in the middle with a depiction of a stylized dancer, depicted in full length profile. The back of the pendant is undecorated.
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Dr. Baba Chuck Davis Archive
    Classification
    Adornment
    Type
    pendants (jewelry)
    Topic
    Africa
    African diaspora
    Craftsmanship
    Fashion
    Identity
    Modern dance
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ngoma & Normadien Woolbright in memory of Dr. Chuck Davis
    Object number
    A2018.98.1.2.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5913cd74f-06f6-41d2-91a7-81942ec4d502
  • "Lady Day" necklace

    Created by
    Smith, Art, American, 1917 - 1982
    Date
    ca. 1971
    Medium
    silver and glass
    Dimensions
    Archives: 7.8Feet (0.1Meters)
    H x W x D (Lady Day necklace): 7 1/16 × 4 1/8 × 1 3/16 in. (18 × 10.5 × 3 cm)
    Caption
    Like Smith’s ‘Baker’ Cuff was named in honor of Josephine Baker, this necklace has Billie Holiday, often called Lady Day, as its namesake. Smith did not have a habit of naming his individual pieces, but his partner, Charles Russell, designated names for many of the designs years after Smith’s death.
    Russell may have been inspired by Smith’s love of jazz and connections to Holiday when naming this piece. An abiding jazz aficionado, jazz was one of the inspirations for Smith’s work. He liked to attend live jazz performances in Harlem and collected record albums by his favorite artists. Smith began his career working as an apprentice to modernist jewelry designer, Winifred Mason Chenet, who counted Billie Holiday among her high profile clientele. Holiday wore pieces likely designed by Smith in a December 1946 Ebony magazine article about Mason and her work.
    Description
    A silver collar-style necklace composed of two separate semi-circular metal pieces conjoined by a metal connector clasp set with a marble of clear and gold glass. The connector clasp allows for the bottom semi-circular portion to move freely while the piece is worn.
    The artist has no mark engraved into this particular piece.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Art Smith Archive
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    necklaces
    Topic
    Art
    Craftsmanship
    Design
    Fashion
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles L. Russell
    Object number
    A2018.110.1.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Estate of Art Smith. Permission required for use.
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54e1c934e-4d19-4c0a-aaea-ad0ef91f0f00
  • Modern Geometric Design

    Written by
    Lorch, Adolf, German American, 1883 - 1971
    Published by
    Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., American, founded 1949
    Distributed by
    Ward Lock & Co. Ltd., British, founded 1854
    Owned by
    Jones, Loïs Mailou, American, 1905 - 1998
    Date
    1971
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 11 5/16 × 8 3/4 × 9/16 in. (28.7 × 22.2 × 1.5 cm)
    Title
    Book from the library of artist Loïs Mailou Jones
    Description
    Hardcover copy of “Modern Geometric Design” with seventy-nine (79) pages. The cover has a green, black, white, and grey design. The upper right and bottom left corners have multicolored geometric patterns in a circular design. In black printed text on a green background is [MODERN / GEOMETRIC / DESIGN] in the center of the front cover. The text repeats in separate columns to the edge of the cover with [MODERN] AND [DESIGN] in white and [GEOM / TRIC] in green. A vertical grey column on the right has white text [by Adolf Lorch]. The title and author are in black on the center spine. The publisher [STERLING] is printed in green on the bottom spine. The back cover has geometric circular designs and multicolored sections like the front cover. The center of the back cover has black text describing the book which begins [Good design is simple and attractive.]. The first blank page has a black and white bookplate with three images of Lois Mailou Jones which reads [Lois Jones / Pierre-Noel / EX LIBRIS]. The book has a handwritten inscription.
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
    Type
    hardcover books
    Topic
    Art
    Design
    Graphic design
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.26.5.23
    Restrictions & Rights
    © 1971 Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Permission required for use.
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd521acfc5b-4106-481f-97a8-48d87af9a390
  • Les Animaux vus par les Meilleurs Animaliers: Volume 1 Animaux Décoratif

    Written by
    Dayot, Armand, French, 1851 - 1934
    Published by
    Editions d'Art Charles Moreau, French
    Owned by
    Jones, Loïs Mailou, American, 1905 - 1998
    Date
    1930
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 13 3/16 × 10 1/4 × 9/16 in. (33.5 × 26 × 1.5 cm)
    Title
    Book from the library of artist Loïs Mailou Jones
    Description
    Hardcover Volume 1 of 2 with fifty (50) plates in the book. The top half of the front cover is blue with printed black text which reads [VOLUME 1 / LES ANIMAUX / VUS PAR LES MEILLEURS ANIMALIERS / REALISATIONS _ DESSINS _ ETUDES _ ETC]. The bottom half is tan with printed black text [ANIMAUX / DECORATIFS / PRESENTES PAR ARMAND DAYOT]. At the bottom is [EDITIONS D'ART CHARLES MOREAU / 8 ET 10 RUE DE PRAGUE _ PARIX XII J. DE. SNOS] printed in black. There is a small ribbon closure connecting the front and back covers over the plates. The spine has [Vol. 1 AUX DECORATIFS] printed in black. The back cover is blank. The interior front cover has a black and white bookplate with an image of Notre Dame and a woman painting which reads [EX LIBRIS / Lois Mailou Jones / DKW]. The book has handwritten inscriptions.
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
    Movement
    Harlem Renaissance (New Negro Movement)
    Type
    hardcover books
    Topic
    Art
    Design
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.26.5.12.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd504cdfedf-ab58-433e-9160-90ae4d7f2c04
  • Les Animaux vus par les Meilleurs Animaliers: Volume 2 Animaux Stylises Poils

    Written by
    Dayot, Armand, French, 1851 - 1934
    Published by
    Editions d'Art Charles Moreau, French
    Owned by
    Jones, Loïs Mailou, American, 1905 - 1998
    Date
    1930
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 13 1/8 × 10 1/8 × 13/16 in. (33.4 × 25.7 × 2.1 cm)
    Title
    Book from the library of artist Loïs Mailou Jones
    Description
    Hardcover Volume 2 of 2 with fifty-two (52) plates. The top half of the front cover is blue with printed black text which reads [VOLUME 1 / LES ANIMAUX / VUS PAR LES MEILLEURS ANIMALIERS / REALISATIONS _ DESSINS _ ETUDES _ ETC]. The bottom half is tan with printed black text [ANIMAUX / STYLISES: POILS / PRESENTES PAR ARMAND DAYOT]. At the bottom is [EDITIONS D'ART CHARLES MOREAU / 8 ET 10 RUE DE PRAGUE _ PARIX XII J. DE. SNOS] in black. There is a small ribbon closure connecting the front and back covers over the plates. The back cover is blank. The interior front cover has a black and white bookplate with an image of Notre Dame and a woman painting which reads [EX LIBRIS / Lois Mailou Jones / DKW]. The book has handwritten inscriptions.
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
    Movement
    Harlem Renaissance (New Negro Movement)
    Type
    hardcover books
    Topic
    Art
    Design
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.26.5.12.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ba9de6db-2ffb-4941-9280-5ee32f976619
  • Traité de Composition Decorative

    Written by
    Gauthier, Joseph Stany, French, 1883 - 1969
    Capelle, Louis
    Published by
    Éditions Plon, French, founded 1845
    Owned by
    Jones, Loïs Mailou, American, 1905 - 1998
    Signed by
    Jones, Loïs Mailou, American, 1905 - 1998
    Date
    1950
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Title
    Book from the library of artist Loïs Mailou Jones
    Description
    Paperback copy of "Traité de Composition Decorative" in fragile condition with tan wrapper. The front cover has black printed text which reads [LIBRARIES / JOSEPH GIBERT] above handwritten text [DESIGN] and printed text [S 250 8° Rais.]. Below this there is a central paragraph of French text that begins [LIBRAIRIE CLASSIQUE / livres d'enseignement...]. At the bottom of the front of the wrapper is the address [30, BOULEVARD St-MICHEL, 26 / A L'ANGLE DES RUES / RACINE, ÉCOLE DE MÉDECINE, P. SARRAZIN]. There is an orange dot and line design above and below the title on the upper part of the spine. The spine is heavily torn with areas of loss. Only the second half of each word of the title is visible. The back cover has an image and text advertising [JOSEPH GIBERT / LIBRAIRIE GENERALE]. This design is repeated on the back flap of the book jacket. The interior flap of the front cover has black printed text in French that begins [SERVICE D'ACHATS...]. A color title page is inserted behind the front flap and has handwritten inscriptions. The back cover has the same orange dot and bar design from the spine with [Les petit-fils de Plon et Nourrit / Imprimeurs - Éditeurs / 8, RUE GARACIÈRE - PARIS] in the center. The books has handwritten inscriptions.
    Classification
    Documents and Published Materials-Published Works
    Type
    paperbacks
    Topic
    Art
    Design
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.26.5.17
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a1fbcd20-4625-48d9-b230-cc96f45ecb7b
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Nautical clock gifted from Pres. Theodore Roosevelt to William L. Houston

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Commissioned by
    President Roosevelt, Theodore, American, 1858 - 1919
    Received by
    Houston, William Lepre, American, 1870 - 1953
    Owned by
    Houston, Charles Hamilton, American, 1895 - 1951
    Date
    1905-1919
    Medium
    glass, metal and marble
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (.4a Clock): 7 × 4 3/8 × 4 3/8 in. (17.8 × 11.2 × 11.2 cm)
    H x W x D (.4b Stand): 10 × 4 1/2 × 15 1/2 in. (25.4 × 11.4 × 39.4 cm)
    Caption
    William LePre Houston (1870-1953) was a prominent Washington, DC attorney who was active in the Republican Party and worked for African American labor organizations, including the Railway Men's International Benevolent Industrial Association. According to son and law partner Charles Hamilton Houston, this nautical clock was a gift from President Theodore Roosevelt for his father's role as an unofficial African American advisor.The clock was a significant family heirloom that resided on the mantelpiece of the family's home on Washington's northwest side.
    Description
    A table clock with nautical design gifted from President Theodore Roosevelt to William L. Houston. The clock is comprised of two separate pieces, the clock itself (.4a) and the base (.4b). The bottom of the clock is made of marble resting on four metal pedestals at each corner. The greenish marble is cracked throughout but still intact. The largest feature of the clock is a brass arm on the right side that curves to the left. On the front of the arm is a propeller. The top of the arm has a piece that connects the chain to the block and tackle pulley system that holds up the clock. The clock is spherical and hangs from a post connected to a circle. The circle rests on the hook of the pulley system. The back of the clock is metal and opens on a hinge to show the inner mechanics. The front of the clock is glass with a numbered face. The metal chain connected to the pulley continues through the top circle of an anchor mounted to the marble base and then wraps around a ship's wheel secured to the base just below the hanging clock sphere. Inside the top of the wheel is a compass.
    Place made
    United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    mantel clocks
    Topic
    Families
    Labor
    Law
    Local and regional
    Ornamentation
    Politics
    U.S. History, 1865-1921
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Charles Hamilton Houston, Jr. and Dr. Rosemary Jagus
    Object number
    2018.59.4ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd575364665-470f-4a9e-96f7-fe70e1efcebc
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Voodoo Guitar "Marie" made by Don Moser with debris from Hurricane Katrina

    Created by
    Moser, Don, American
    Date
    2005
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    Medium
    Wood, copper, brass, tin, and plastic with fabric and rhinestone
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (guitar): 41 3/4 × 13 3/4 × 2 3/8 in. (106 × 34.9 × 6 cm)
    H x W x D (Wood box): 5 x 47 7/8 x 17 in. (12.7 x 121.6 x 43.2 cm)
    Description
    The Voodoo Guitar (.1) used by Don Moser of Swampkat. The 6-string electric guitar is wooden with metal-plated head and body. A plaque on the head features text that reads [KATRINA - AUG - 29- 2005]. Metal letters are adhered along one side and the bottom of the head, following the curve [NEW ORLEANS / VOODOO]. Multiple "windows" were built into the guitar head. Contents include objects such as a voodoo doll and rhinestone fleur de lis brooch. At the center of the head, a figurine is attached atop the strings. It is shaped like a cross. Its top half is black, while the bottom is white and covered with multi-colored beads. Brown hair-like fibers extend out of the top and two arms. A handwritten letter (.2) on white paper with rough, burned edges is attached under the strings. It visually blocks part of the head and reads [DEAR KEVIN, / THANKS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU AND / YOUR TEAM HAS PUT INTO THE VOODOO GUITAR / PROJECT. / I'VE ENJOYED EVERY MIN. OF THE JOURNEY. / THIS IS THE VOODOO GUITAR. PLEASE TAKE / EXTRA CARE OF HER, I GROWN QUITE FOND OF HER! / THE GUITAR IS SET UP AND PLAYS GREAT, SHE SOUNDS / LIKE THE DEVIL MOVING FURNITURE! / BLESSINGS / DON]. The back of the neck is light-colored wood, and the back of the head is dark wood. A gold-colored metal plaque situated at the base of the neck features engraved text that reads [KATRINA / YOU THOUGHT / YOU COULD KEEP / THE OL BIG EASY / DOWN BUT WE / STILL HEAR OUR / BRASS BANDS / BLOWIN OH WHAT/ A BEAUTIFUL / SOUND]. A clear plastic cylinder is attached to the underside of the head. It has a metal top & bottom and contains a fuzzy object.
    Place made
    New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Type
    musical instruments
    guitars
    Topic
    Art
    Communities
    Folklife
    Music
    Musicians
    Ornamentation
    U.S. History, 2001-
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Musician/Artist Don Louis Moser
    Object number
    2015.119.1-.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd566bb8fd6-5701-455d-b559-f25cd490a8a8
  • Ivory powder horn with carved decoration

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Date
    18th century; engraved after 1861
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 053
    Exhibition
    Double Victory: The African American Military Experience
    Medium
    horn and wood
    Dimensions
    L x diameter x weight: 10 1/2 × 3 1/16 in., 152Grams (26.7 cm, 0.2 kg)
    Description
    A powder horn with scrimshaw decorations. The powder horn shaft is made from cow horn. On one side of the horn's base, there is an engraved illustration of a seated African American officer smoking a cigar inside a tent, guarded by a white soldier in a tattered uniform. The text underneath the image reads: [Negro officer / & / White Soldier]. On the reverse side of the powder horn is an engraving of an African American man dancing with a white woman. The African American man is wearing trousers but no shirt, and the woman is wearing a long-sleeved dress with her long hair pulled back into a bun. The text above the image reads: [New England Ladies / teaching Negroes]. These images are surrounded by decorative, architectural borders. Most engraved areas appear to have been colored with an iron-based substance, possibly iron gall ink, and the surface of the horn appears yellow, whether by age or artificial coloration. The circumference of the base has jagged edges, with some remaining peg holes through which pegs or nails would have been placed to secure the base, although none remain. A replacement circular wooden butt plug is glued into the base. The narrow end of the powder horn is carved, turned, and colored dark brown. Originally it would have been closed with a peg or stopper, now missing.
    Classification
    Slavery and Freedom Objects
    Tools and Equipment-Military
    Type
    powder horns
    Topic
    American South
    Education
    Emancipation
    Folklife
    Military
    Ornamentation
    Race relations
    U.S. History, Civil War, 1861-1865
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Marion T. Lane, Ed.D.
    Object number
    2015.247.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b043b5f0-41dd-4192-be1a-bf7343d6f2dc
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Teapot made by Peter Bentzon

    Created by
    Bentzon, Peter, American, ca. 1783 - after 1850
    Date
    ca. 1817-1829
    On View
    Concourse 3, C3 053
    Exhibition
    Slavery and Freedom
    Medium
    silver and wood
    Dimensions
    H x W: 7 x 12 x 5 in. (17.8 x 30.5 x 12.7 cm)
    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.
    Place made
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
    Cultural Place
    Virgin Islands of the United States, United States, Caribbean, North and Central America
    Classification
    Slavery and Freedom Objects
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    teapots
    Topic
    African diaspora
    Craftsmanship
    Free communities of color
    Ornamentation
    U.S. 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
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51d2d0213-3bbe-4345-a274-ce64478aa500
  • Souvenir spoon depicting a caricature of a boy and an alligator

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Date
    ca. 1900-1930s
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    sterling silver
    Dimensions
    4 1/4 x 7/8 x 1/4 in. (10.8 x 2.2 x 0.6 cm)
    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 ·]
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Collection title
    Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Culinary
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    spoons
    Topic
    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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f07d157a-5a81-4ee5-aaeb-067fb0a3bc3c
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Glass oil lamp from the home of Robert Smalls

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Smalls, Robert, American, 1839 - 1915
    Date
    19th century
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    glass, metal
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 25 × 10 × 10 in., 9 lb. (63.5 × 25.4 × 25.4 cm, 4.1 kg)
    Description
    This oil lamp has been converted from oil to electric. It has a hand-painted base that is white with pink flowers. There is a matching lamp with hand-painted glass shade and a clear glass chimney.
    Place used
    Beaufort, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    lamps (lighting device components)
    Topic
    American South
    Domestic life
    Ornamentation
    Reconstruction, U.S. History, 1865-1877
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2010.28.10a-e
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55da546c5-2082-45ea-b475-5880699207f8
  • Mask shaped sign used in a Black Men of Labor parade in New Orleans, LA

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Used by
    Black Men of Labor, Inc., American, founded 1993
    Date
    2012
    Medium
    cloth, plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 35 × 17 × 10 in. (88.9 × 43.2 × 25.4 cm)
    Caption
    The Black Men of Labor (BMOL) is an exclusively all-male krewe, or parading group in New Orleans founded in 1993. The founding generation of the organization all came from building arts trade families and the group originally paraded the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in honor of the working men and women of New Orleans.
    This mask was used by BMOL members during their 2013 annual parade, which had an African-inspired theme. The 2013 theme also reflects the BMOL’s recognition of and connection to the African diaspora.
    The mission of the BMOL is to "educate, preserve and perpetuate the rich African and African American culture of New Orleans traditional Jazz music. Through arts and culture the BMOL promote civic engagement and creates opportunity for those interested in building sustainable income and wealth" (Black Men of Labor 2013). BMOL is considered one of many benevolent societies that were created in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries to help free and enslaved Africans cope with financial hardships.
    Description
    A mask shaped sign used in a Black Men of Labor parade in New Orleans. The mask lacks openings in the face and is not meant to be worn. The mask is predominantly orange and white with black, brown and white sequence adhered to the front cheeks and mouth area. Red, blue, green, orange and silver sequence are adhered to the bridge and nose area. The eyes of the mask are yellow. The mask has orange horns and a white crown. Blue, pink, red, green and orange colored pompoms are adhered to the eyes, chin and top of the mask.
    Place used
    New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Type
    signs
    Topic
    Building Arts
    Communities
    Costume
    Fraternal organizations
    Holidays and festivals
    Labor
    Men
    Ornamentation
    Social reform
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Black Men of Labor, Inc.
    Object number
    2015.260.4
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a7683db7-c1e2-4994-bf98-99a6570e9afb
  • Fan used in a Black Men of Labor parade in New Orleans

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Used by
    Black Men of Labor, Inc., American, founded 1993
    Date
    2012
    Medium
    cloth, plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 24 1/2 × 7 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (62.2 × 19.1 × 8.9 cm)
    Caption
    The Black Men of Labor (BMOL) is an exclusively all-male krewe, or parading group in New Orleans founded in 1993. The founding generation of the organization all came from building arts trade families and the group originally paraded the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in honor of the working men and women of New Orleans.
    This fan was used by BMOL members during their 2013 annual parade, which had an African-inspired theme. The 2013 theme also reflects the BMOL’s recognition of and connection to the African diaspora.
    The mission of the BMOL is to "educate, preserve and perpetuate the rich African and African American culture of New Orleans traditional Jazz music. Through arts and culture the BMOL promote civic engagement and creates opportunity for those interested in building sustainable income and wealth" (Black Men of Labor 2013). BMOL is considered one of many benevolent societies that were created in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries to help free and enslaved Africans cope with financial hardships.
    Description
    Fan used in a Black Men of Labor parade in New Orleans, Louisiana. The fan is made of several braided tassels fastened together and include orange, silver pink and yellow materials. Three plastic yellow flowers and one orange flower are fastened to the front of the fan. Orange, pink, blue and yellow pompoms are fastened to the fan. The fan has a silver handle made of braided fabric. Braided silver and yellow fabric are attached to the handle.
    Place used
    New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Clothing-Costume
    Type
    fans (costume accessories)
    Topic
    Building Arts
    Communities
    Costume
    Fraternal organizations
    Holidays and festivals
    Labor
    Men
    Ornamentation
    Social reform
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Black Men of Labor, Inc.
    Object number
    2015.260.7.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c894eeea-52ea-4b27-b59e-c9d816d4ae2f
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Boat seat with spider web design from Ecuador

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Used by
    Nazareno, Débora, Ecuadorian
    Owned by
    Juan García Salazar, Ecuadorian, 1944 - 2017
    Date
    early 20th century
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050
    Exhibition
    Cultural Expressions
    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)
    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.
    Place made
    Esmeraldas, Ecuador, Latin America, South America
    Cultural Place
    West Africa, Africa
    Classification
    Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
    Type
    seating
    Topic
    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
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d12d083e-2fe7-4e30-9ecf-b456b78f9758
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Wooden hat stand from Mae's Millinery Shop

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
    Subject of
    Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994
    Date
    1941-1994
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 051
    Exhibition
    Power of Place
    Medium
    paint on wood
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (ab): 8 × 7 5/16 × 7 5/16 in. (20.3 × 18.6 × 18.6 cm)
    H x W x D (a): 6 × 5 7/8 × 5 3/4 in. (15.2 × 14.9 × 14.6 cm)
    H x W x D (b): 3 5/8 × 7 5/16 × 7 5/16 in. (9.2 × 18.6 × 18.6 cm)
    Description
    A wooden hat stand base (a) and form (b) painted white. The base is circular with one groove carved into the top of the base. A turned wooden dowel is screwed into the center of the base. The form is circular and tapers in toward the bottom where it attaches to the stand via a hole in the center of the underside.
    Place collected
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Occupational
    Type
    hat stands
    Topic
    Business
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.
    Object number
    2010.6.129ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f8480de0-507d-47f2-bf5a-ec2788c83965
  • Sterling silver necklace by Art Smith

    Designed by
    Smith, Art, American, 1917 - 1982
    Date
    1946-1979
    Medium
    sterling silver
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 7 × 5 1/2 × 3/4 in. (17.8 × 14 × 1.9 cm)
    Description
    A sterling silver necklace made by Art Smith.
    The necklace features a vertical chain of ten (10) interlocking sterling silver rings extending from a circular necklace. There are four (4) flat, oblong pieces with rounded ends set horizontally through the vertical chain, with each piece decreasing in size from the top to the bottom. The circular necklace is composed of three pieces of sterling silver. The top or back piece, which would fit behind the neck, connects at each end with a nearly closed hook clasp to holes set into the front right and front left pieces, both of which extend to curved hooks at the other end. The hooks interlock with each other to close the necklace at the center, from which the vertical chain is extended.
    The name "Art Smith" is imprinted into the back of the left side piece near the clasp in a cursive font, with "STERLING" below the name.
    There are a few areas with small scuffs and scratches.
    Place made
    New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Type
    jewelry
    Topic
    Art
    Craftsmanship
    Design
    Fashion
    Ornamentation
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2016.173.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Estate of Art Smith
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5cde584d5-a40a-4ce7-ac72-3811751b7285

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