On View
Slavery and Freedom Gallery
Exhibition
Slavery and Freedom
Manufactured by
Unidentified
Date
1700-1850
Medium
iron
Dimensions
H x W: 2 1/4 × 34 1/2 × 4 3/4 in. (5.7 × 87.6 × 12.1 cm)
Caption
Ankle restraints held enslaved men together two-by-two as they marched to the coast. Women and children were restrained by their hands and necks.
Description
These ankle shackles consist of a two-piece cuff-like section at one end, and another cuff-like piece and locking device at the other; connected by three very heavy and elaborately incised links; all portions of this pair of shackles bear repeated geometric designs that are believed to be West African in origin.
Place made
West Africa, Africa
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Tools and Equipment
Type
shackles
Topic
Africa
Commerce
Slavery
Trans Atlantic slave trade
Violence
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2014.63.3
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5db38c77b-c93b-43b5-a523-bbc5a955c143

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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