On View
Making a Way Gallery
Exhibition
Making a Way Out of No Way
Created by
Unidentified
Owned by
Tanner, Benjamin Tucker, American, 1835 - 1923
Subject of
African Methodist Episcopal Church, American, founded 1816
Date
1898
Medium
wood, slate, and paper (fiber product)
Dimensions
H x W (Closed): 6 9/16 x 4 3/8 x 7/8 in. (16.7 x 11.1 x 2.2 cm)
H x W (Open): 6 9/16 x 8 5/8 x 3/4 in. (16.7 x 21.9 x 1.9 cm)
Description
Bound writing slates that belonged to Bishop Benjamin Tucker Tanner of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The object is constructed of three (3 double-sided, framed slates joined together with gummed paper on the spine that allows it to open like a book. The front and back covers are covered in dark brown leather with maroon undertones. Gold embossed lettering centered on the front cover reads [Notes]. A swirling, leafy design surrounds the "N." The inside front cover is covered in peach, blue, and white marbled paper with a piece of discolored white paper adhered on top. Handwritten text in black ink on the paper reads [To Bishop B.T. Tanner D.D. / by his friend Abraham Grant / May 19th 1898]. Each slate is framed in brown wood. The edges of the slates appear to be covered in blue and white paper. There is black printed text on the frame of the first slate. The top is marked [A.W. FABER No. 2], and the bottom is marked [MADE IN GERMANY.] The inside of the back cover is covered in red, blue and white marbled paper. There is a fabric tube attached to the inside back cover, possibly for holding chalk. The back cover is blank.
Classification
Personal Effects and Items
Type
notebooks
Topic
African Methodist Episcopal
Methodist
Religion
The Black Church
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture; Gift of the Bishop Frederick and Mrs. Artishia Jordan Scholarship Fund
Object number
2013.56.2
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e3719764-e370-46c5-afe0-19af500afc08

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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