Owned by
Old Slave Mart Museum, American, founded 1937
Date
1828-1850
Medium
cotton
Dimensions
H x W: 31 3/4 × 32 1/4 in. (80.6 × 81.9 cm)
Description
Apron made by an enslaved person.
The apron is off white and is starting to discolor from old age. The top of the apron extends out into a thin strap on either side. The straps are meant to be tied in the back. The bottom of the apron has scalloped edges with even smaller scallops along the curves. There is a design that starts at the top of the apron and expands row by row. There is a bunch of grapes made out of negative space as well as embroidered shapes. There are thirteen (13) holes in the apron that make up the grapes. There are two (2) bunches in the second row, followed by three, four, five, six, and nine. There are flower designs in between each of the bunches of grapes. Above and below each bunchthere is a curved leaf design and embroidered vines. There are dots along the scalloped edges at the bottom.
There are several holes and stains on the apron. There are some loose threads at the top. There are two cotton tags sewn onto the apron. There is handwriting in black ink. The short tag on top reads [R388]. The longer tag below it reads [SLAVE-MADE X-1-120 MBW. There are a few areas where the black ink bled through the fabric.
Place made
United States, North and Central America
Place collected
Charleston, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Clothing - Fashion and Historical
Type
aprons (main garments)
whitework
Topic
Clothing and dress
Craftsmanship
Domestic life
Skilled labor
Slavery
U.S. History, 1815-1861
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.108.17.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd557a3e7d2-c859-4e91-916a-0f05a4ca0233

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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