On View
Musical Crossroads Gallery
Exhibition
Musical Crossroads
Designed by
Unidentified
Owned by
Davis, Charles Rudolph, American, 1937 - 2017
Date
late 20th-early 21st century
Medium
sterling silver
Dimensions
H x W x D (Overal with lanyard): 23 5/8 × 3 1/4 × 7/16 in. (60 × 8.3 × 1.1 cm)
H x W x D (Pendant): 7 1/4 × 3 1/4 × 5/16 in. (18.4 × 8.3 × 0.8 cm)
H x W x D (A2018.98.1.2 (necklace in curled display position)): 9 × 7 × 3/4 in. (22.9 × 17.8 × 1.9 cm)
Description
A large necklace pendant attached to a lanyard (A2018.98.1.2.2) worn by dancer Charles Rudolph Davis, also known as Baba Chuck. The pendant is comprised of two (2) pieces: a large spoon shaped piece and a squat column shaped piece. The large spoon shaped piece has a roughly oval shaped body that narrows at the shoulders of the spoon to a rounded off point at the top. The point at the top is decorated with a molded floral pattern: two (2) five (5) petal flowers and a rose. The top of the spoon pendant has a small hole that is threaded through with a jump ring, attached to a teardrop shaped bail. The body of the spoon pendant is polished silver with cutouts shaped like Africa and Madagascar. The name [BabaChuck], in silver, runs across the top half of the Africa cut out. There are two (2) small round perforations at the bottom of the spoon pendant where it is attached it to the squat column shaped piece with three (3) jump rings on each side. The squat column shaped piece has an ovular cutout in the middle with a depiction of a stylized dancer, depicted in full length profile. The back of the pendant is undecorated.
Place used
United States, North and Central America
Collection title
Dr. Baba Chuck Davis Archive
Classification
Adornment
Type
pendants (jewelry)
Topic
Africa
African diaspora
Fashion
Identity
Modern dance
Ornamentation
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ngoma & Normadien Woolbright in memory of Dr. Chuck Davis
Object number
A2018.98.1.2.1
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5913cd74f-06f6-41d2-91a7-81942ec4d502

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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