Manufactured by
Unidentified
Used by
Black Men of Labor, Inc., American, founded 1994
Date
late 20th century - early 21st century
Medium
steel, wood
Dimensions
H x W x D: 12 × 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (30.5 × 8.9 × 8.9 cm)
Caption
The Black Men of Labor (BMOL) is an exclusively all-male krewe, or parading group in New Orleans founded in 1993. The founding generation of the organization all came from building arts trade families and the group originally paraded the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in honor of the working men and women of New Orleans.
This masonry tool was used by the organization in New Orleans for educational purposes, helping to demonstrate brick making and the building arts.
The mission of the BMOL is to "educate, preserve and perpetuate the rich African and African American culture of New Orleans traditional Jazz music. Through arts and culture the BMOL promote civic engagement and creates opportunity for those interested in building sustainable income and wealth" (Black Men of Labor 2013). BMOL is one of many benevolent societies that were created in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries to help free and enslaved Africans cope with financial hardships.
Description
A metal and wood pointing trowel. The trowel has a metal, diamond shaped blade with a metal and wood handle. The handle has rounded edges and is made of a light colored wood. The handle is connected to the blade by a metal ferrule. The shank of the trowel is painted black.
Place used
New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Type
pointing trowels
Topic
Associations and institutions
Building Arts
Communities
Fraternal organizations
Holidays and festivals
Jazz (Music)
Labor
Men
Ornamentation
Social reform
Societies
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of The Black Men of Labor, Inc.
Object number
2015.260.8
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5355a62c2-e9d3-4929-a016-cc5c5926e549

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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