Bowl
Arts of the Americas
Nineteenth-century depictions of Native people by European colonizers have long obscured the cultural vibrancy of Indigenous artistic traditions, as exemplified by this delicately carved wood bowl adorned with two human faces in relief. A brass plate covering a large crack on one side shows that the owner repaired it, indicating that the bowl was a treasured item likely passed down from generation to generation. If it was collected in Fort Snelling, Minnesota, in the 1830s, it may have traveled with Lenape refugees fleeing north to Wisconsin or Ontario, Canada.
MEDIUM
Wood, brass
DATES
early 19th century
DIMENSIONS
7 1/4 x 14 x 14 in. (18.4 x 35.6 x 35.6 cm)
(show scale)
ACCESSION NUMBER
50.67.161
CREDIT LINE
Henry L. Batterman Fund and the Frank Sherman Benson Fund
PROVENANCE
Prior to 1848, provenance not yet documented; by 1848, acquired by Nathan Sturges Jarvis; 1848, gift of Nathan Sturges Jarvis to the New-York Historical Society, New York, NY; April, 1950, purchased from the New-York Historical Society by the Brooklyn Museum.
Provenance FAQ
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Wooden bowl with schematic faces carved in relief on two vertical, stepped-shaped, rim lugs, which are located opposite each other. The wood grain shows on the bowl along with some dark stains in the interior bottom. The brass is a Native repair. Wooden bowls with images generally were treasured and inherited, passed from generation to generation.
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
CAPTION
Delaware. Bowl, early 19th century. Wood, brass, 7 1/4 x 14 x 14 in. (18.4 x 35.6 x 35.6 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Henry L. Batterman Fund and the Frank Sherman Benson Fund, 50.67.161. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 50.67.161_view01_PS11.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 50.67.161_view01_PS11.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2020
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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