Page 18 - Swann Galleries - Printed & Manuscript African Americana- Sale 2308 - March 21, 2013

11 ● (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.) Wrought iron slave collar. Two pieces of
semi-circular hand-wrought iron, joined together by a fixed “hook-in-eye.” At each end of
the two pieces is another “hook-in-eye” into which is fitted a primitive but effective lock-
ing mechanism; the outer surface of the two pieces has been incised with a repeating
semi-circular design. Mississippi, circa 1800-1850 [2,500/3,500]
A very rare example of a slave collar, usually used to restrain, but sometimes employed puni-
tively. Provenance: private collection, obtained from a now defunct South Carolina museum,
obtained by them in Mississippi.
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12
12 ● (SLAVERY AND ABOLITION.)
Miniature pair of shackles, used as a
protective “amulet” by the Lobi
tribe of West Africa. “Lost wax”
bronze casting , 2.8 x 2.5 cm; good
smooth dark patina.
Ghana, 18th to 19th century
[800/1,200]
A RARE RELIC OF THE AFRICAN SLAVE
TRADEThis amulet was made by the Lobi peo-
ple of West Africa as a charm to protect oneself.
The Lobi occupy an area in what would be
today’s Ghana, as well as part of Burkina
Faso. They are known as some of the finest
carvers and craftsmen in West Africa.