15 300
11
11
●
RESTRAINTS AND PUNISHMENTS.
Wrought iron slave collar with
lock.
Two pieces of semi-circular iron, each approximately 9 inches long; joined together
by a fixed “hook-in-eye.” To each end of the two pieces is another open hook-in-eye into
which is fixed a primitive but effective tubular locking mechanism. The two semi-circles
bear repeated crescent moon designs. Smooth old patina consistent with age.
Central or West Africa,
late 18th to mid nineteenth century
[4,000/6,000]
The wide, outer edge of each of the two pieces of the collar bear small overlapping semi-circular designs.
These designs are similar to patterns we have observed on other such collars. It is possible that these
designs might have had some specific symbolic meaning to a blacksmith of African descent. This is one
of three such collars that we have observed; all have had similar incising on them. Designs like these
can be seen in Faik-Nzuji’s Tracing Memory: A Glossary of Graphic Signs and Symbols in African
Art and Culture (Canadian Museum of Civilization, 1996).
12
●
FREDERICK COUNTY MARYLAND.
Case alleging that Mary Dorsey
“hath taken and unjustly detains” three slaves.
Partially printed document, accom-
plished by hand, and manuscript document. 8vo, and folio respectively; some edge-wear to
the former; paper evenly toned; a couple of small archival paper repairs.
Frederick County, Maryland, 26 May, 1795
[600/900]
AN UNUSUAL FAMILY FIGHT OVER THREE SLAVES
,
APPARENTLY PART OF AN ESTATE
.
The slaves
listed as belonging to administratrix Sylvia Dorsey included: “One Negro woman named Jane, one
Negro woman named Sall and a Negro boy named Stephen, the son of Sall.” The court orders the
sheriff of Frederick County to “seize and deliver those slaves to Sylvia Dorsey, and for Mary Dorsey
to appear in court to answer the charges.”