Manufactured by
Unidentified
Owned by
Old Slave Mart Museum, American, founded 1937
Date
19th century
Medium
iron
Dimensions
H x W x D: 11 1/2 × 6 1/4 × 1 9/16 in. (29.2 × 15.8 × 4 cm)
Description
A curb iron mule bit crafted by an unidentified enslaved person from a unidentified plantation in Charleston, South Carolina. The purchase has two (2), round curb strap rings attached to a small chain. Below is a ported mouthpiece and a shank ending in two (2) round rein rings. Handwritten text in white paint on the ported mouthpiece reads [011] on one side and [OSM] on the opposite side. Below [OSM] is a painted white rectangle with handwritten black text that reads [R353].
Place made
South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Place used
South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Slavery and Freedom Objects
Tools and Equipment
Type
ironwork
bits (bridle components)
Topic
Agriculture
American South
Craftsmanship
Skilled labor
Slavery
U.S. History, 1815-1861
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.108.24.1
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52cbbdc4f-9f4f-474e-bd94-b5f10b43d244

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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