Created by
Myers, Christopher, American, born 1974
Subject of
Turner, Nat, American, 1800 - 1831
Date
2022
Medium
Cast palm oil soap on a silver plate
Dimensions
Head: L x W: 9 × 6 1/2 in. (22.9 × 16.5 cm)
Plate: Diameter: 18 in. (45.7 cm)
Description
A work consisting of palm oil soap cast in the shape of Nat Turner's severed head. The head is presented on an ornate silver platter, lying cheek side down. The surface of the head is smooth and slightly concave at the severed neck edge. Air bubbles in the palm oil soap can be seen throuhgout the surface and the ears are slightly lighter in color than the more solid mass of the head and neck. The platter on which the head rests is made of silverplated copper and features an elaborate scallop shell and scroll edge design with incised line drawings of scallop shells and flowers with leaf scrolls along the interior surface edge. The bottom of the platter bears marks of the Sheridan Silver company.
Classification
Visual Arts
Type
sculpture
Topic
Art
Religion
Slavery
Violence
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2023.2ab
Restrictions & Rights
© Christopher Myers, Courtesy of the artist and James Cohan, New York
Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd563aed1a3-b010-4c72-af11-2429224441c2

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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