7
7
●
(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION—RESTRAINTS AND PUNISHMENTS.)
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 locking mechanism; the outer surface of the
two pieces has been incised with a repeating semi-circular design.
Deep South, circa 1800-1850’s
[2,500/3,500]
A RARE HAND
-
WROUGHT IRON SLAVE COLLAR
.
Collars like this were usually used to
restrain, but sometimes employed punitively. This collar bears designs along the wider edge not
unlike the graphic symbols of West Africa. It is possible that the blacksmith who made this
collar was of African descent, as was not uncommon on the plantations of the South.
8
●
(SLAVERY AND ABOLITION—RESTRAINTS AND PUNISHMENTS—
AFRICA.)
Pair of wrought-iron African ankle shackles, with the original heavy
locking device attached;
lacks the “key” or means of unlocking. Very elaborately made,
with incised designs on all parts, 34 inches long, consisting of a two-piece cuff-like section
at one end, and another cuff-like piece and locking device at the other; connected by three
very heavy and elaborately incised links; all portions of this pair of shackles bear designs
that are consistent with classic West African graphic signs and symbols; all surfaces with
fine old, smooth patina.
West Africa, circa 18th to 19th century
[2,000/3,000]
AN UNUSUALLY ELABORATE AND HEAVY PAIR OF AFRICAN SHACKLES
,
bearing incised
designs that are consistent with those illustrated in Clementine M. Faik-Nzuji’s definitive
book “Tracing Memory. A Glossary of Graphic Signs and Symbols in African Art and
Culture.” (Canadian Museum of Civilization, 1996). A repeated design, not unlike the
symbol for “bond,” “imprisonment,” and “handcuffs” appears on this pair of shackles.
