Photograph by
Royster, Kenneth, American, born 1944
Subject of
Unidentified Woman or Women
Unidentified Man or Men
Date
1995
Medium
silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 14 × 13 3/4 in. (35.6 × 34.9 cm)
H x W (sheet): 20 × 16 in. (50.8 × 40.6 cm)
H x W (matted): 22 × 28 in. (55.9 × 71.1 cm)
Description
A black-and-white photograph by Kenneth Royster of a pool baptism. The foreground of the image shows a group in a pool. Most of the individuals are wearing white button-down shirts, white pants, and black bow ties and belts in the water. There is one (1) woman, wearing white in the water on the right side. On the left is a religious figure wearing a black garment and cap. The people are facing different directions and helping to submerge individuals in the water to be baptized. In the background, a group of musicians is standing along the pool edge. They are wearing white shirts, pants, and shoes, and black ties. A few are holding trombones and there is a tuba and drum set in back. There are some spectators behind the musicians. The edge of the negative is partially visible around the image. There is a numerical inscription on the reverse.
Place depicted
United States, North and Central America
Portfolio/Series
Praise
Classification
Photographs and Still Images
Type
gelatin silver prints
Topic
Christianity
Communities
Instrumentalists (Musicians)
Music
Musicians
Photography
Prayer
Religion
Religious rituals and ceremonies
The Black Church
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Kenneth Royster in honor of Prof. Samuel L. Green
Object number
2018.41.13
Restrictions & Rights
© Kenneth Royster
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bc8b4a41-f98c-4bb7-bfd0-4e72c18313e7

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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