Created by
Unidentified
Date
19th century
Medium
wood, glass, thread, cloth, paint, wool (hair), and bast fiber
Dimensions
Woodcarving: 24 × 18 9/16 × 8 1/2 in. (61 × 47.2 × 21.6 cm)
Description
This object is a poly-chrome, three-dimensional, woodcarving depicting a male slave trader figure holding an enslaved female figure in bondage, both standing on an elongated oval platform. Both figures are standing upright and facing the same direction with the male figure behind the female figure. The male figure is significantly larger than the female figure. He has short hair and is wearing a dark three-piece suit, belt with belt buckle, white collared shirt and a dark neck tie. There are two, small white objects in his left and right breast coat pockets. His proper right hand has a drilled hole through the fist. His proper left hand is slightly forward and he is holding a length of cord connected to the female figure. The cord ties her hands behind her back and wraps around her neck in a noose. The female figure is bald, wearing light colored earrings and is nude with the exception of a light colored breechcloth and four strings (two dark strings, two light strings) of glass beads around the waist. A piece of light cloth has been tied around the female figure’s upper torso.
Place purchased
Ghana, West Africa, Africa
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Type
carvings
Topic
Africa
Art
Design
Slavery
Trans Atlantic slave trade
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2014.122.1ab
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58d171718-f39e-4725-9f60-d1444e5f6cc5

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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