14 300
9
10
9
●
Pair of “Middle Passage” wrought iron slave shackles,
with a 15 inch long
bar, to which are attached two circular wrist pieces, each 3
1
⁄
2
inches in diameter; heavy and
even oxidation consistent with age and material.
Np, circa 1750-1800
[3,000/4,000]
A pair of shackles of the type employed during the cruel “Middle Passage” from the West Coast of
Africa to the West Indies and beyond. A large and heavy pair, no doubt made for a large man. See
Lydia Maria Child’s “Appeal in Favor of that Class of Americans called Africans” (Boston, 1833,
page 16) for a representation of shackles like these.
10
●
AFRICA.
Pair of elaborate wrought iron African shackles, with the origi-
nal locking device attached.
Lacks the “key”, or means of unlocking. Very elaborately
made, with incised designs on all parts, 23 inches long consisting of two piece cuff-like sec-
tion at one end and another cuff with an integral “lock”, both 3
1
⁄
4
inches in diameter; the
latter with two bands of appliquéd bronze; both cuffs connected by three very heavy, and
elaborately incised links; all portions of this pair of shackles bear designs that are consistent
with West African graphic signs and symbols; all surfaces with fine, smooth, old patina.
West Africa circa 18th to 19th century
[2,000/3,000]
AN UNUSUALLY ELABORATE AND HEAVY PAIR OF
A
FRICAN SHACKLES
,
bearing incised designs
that are consistent with those illustrated in Faik-Nzuji’s exhaustive study, “Tracing Memory: A
Glossary of Graphic Designs and Symbols in West African Art and Culture” (Canadian Museum of
Civilization, 1996). A repeated design, not unlike the symbol for “bond,” “imprisonment” or
“handcuffs” appears on this pair of shackles.