Woodcarving of a slave trader with enslaved female figure

Object Details

Created by

Unidentified

Description

This object is a poly-chrome, three-dimensional, woodcarving depicting a male slave trader figure holding an enslaved female figure in bondage, both standing on an elongated oval platform. Both figures are standing upright and facing the same direction with the male figure behind the female figure. The male figure is significantly larger than the female figure. He has short hair and is wearing a dark three-piece suit, belt with belt buckle, white collared shirt and a dark neck tie. There are two, small white objects in his left and right breast coat pockets. His proper right hand has a drilled hole through the fist. His proper left hand is slightly forward and he is holding a length of cord connected to the female figure. The cord ties her hands behind her back and wraps around her neck in a noose. The female figure is bald, wearing light colored earrings and is nude with the exception of a light colored breechcloth and four strings (two dark strings, two light strings) of glass beads around the waist. A piece of light cloth has been tied around the female figure’s upper torso.

Credit Line

Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

19th century

Object number

2014.122.1ab

Restrictions & Rights

No Known Copyright Restrictions

Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Type

carvings

Medium

wood, glass, thread, cloth, paint, wool (hair), and bast fiber

Dimensions

Woodcarving: 24 × 18 9/16 × 8 1/2 in. (61 × 47.2 × 21.6 cm)

Place purchased

Ghana, West Africa, Africa

See more items in

National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection

Classification

Slavery and Freedom Objects

Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Topic

African American

Africa

Art

Design

Slavery

Trans Atlantic slave trade

Record ID

nmaahc_2014.122.1ab

Metadata Usage (text)

CC0

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58d171718-f39e-4725-9f60-d1444e5f6cc5