Created by
Unidentified
Attributed to
Savage, Edward, American, 1761 - 1817
Owned by
Cromwell, John Wesley, American, 1846 - 1927
Date
1800-1850
Medium
ivory
Dimensions
5 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 1 5/8 in. (13.3 x 6.4 x 4.1 cm)
Description
A polychrome scrimshaw sperm whale tooth owned by John Wesley Cromwell. The tooth is etched with a patriotic scene depicting a seated Lady Liberty holding an American Flag with a liberty cap attached to the top and a patriotic shield with the word "LIBERTY" written on it. The design is variant on 1796 painting by Edward Savage, "Liberty. In the Form of the Goddess of Youth, giving Support to the Bald Eagle."
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Type
scrimshaws
Topic
Art
Design
Ornamentation
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2011.155.308
Restrictions & Rights
Public domain
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58d026a9f-63f2-4ef1-b365-be60e3ce0d09

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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