On View
Slavery and Freedom Gallery
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
Created by
Unidentified
Owned by
Sen. Nash, William Beverly, American, 1822 - 1888
Date
late 19th century
Medium
pigment on wood
Dimensions
34 1/8 × 4 3/4 × 1 1/8 in. (86.7 × 12.1 × 2.9 cm)
Description
A carved wooden walking cane owned by Sen. W.B. Nash. The length of the cane is cylindrical at the bottom but squared off about halfway up. The cane has been incised over much of its surface with geometric and animal decorations, including diamonds, fish, snake and lizard. [19 11] is carved on the outward facing side of the cane. Near the head of the cane is a carved chamber with four curved posts inside which rolls a loose wooden ball. The top of the cane is curved, pale and very smooth from use. At the handle of the cane handle is another incised section, a geometric design or possibly letters. There is a black rubber piece, not original, adhered to the foot of the cane.
Place collected
Columbia, Richland County, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Cultural Place
West Africa, Africa
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Accessories and Personal Effects
Type
canes
Topic
African diaspora
American South
Emancipation
Politics
Reconstruction, U.S. History, 1865-1877
Slavery
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Family of William Beverly Nash
Object number
2013.168.2
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd526682e2a-df25-41ac-b8f3-894d4c4fd771

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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