Oblong basket on a pedestal base; predominantly sweetgrass with some rows of pine needle, which are mostly visible from the inside; bottom of basket reads "Henrietta Snype 2006."
A sistrum, rattle-like musical instrument that was sacred in ancient Egypt; rectangular metal object that has pointed forged end; 15 holes with 15 metal rings line the edges; origin Egypt.
Wood carving of a pregnant woman with bulging eyes, hand in mouth, and feet directed sideways, on a stand; shoulders have two lines incised as some type of decoration.
1850-1859, 1840-1849, 1830-1839, 1810-1819, and 1820-1829
Description:
A fragmented crystal discovered during 2019 investigations of the Russell House Kitchen House. The crystal was wedged tightly between the end of an original floorboard and the first period masonry wall in the east enslaved quarter of the Russell House Kitchen House. One end identifies it as a chandelier or girandole crystal. The other end, however, shows evidence of a percussive strike, evidence it was intentionally struck one or more times to shape it into a crude point.
1850-1859, 1840-1849, 1830-1839, 1810-1819, and 1820-1829
Description:
A small pillow, hand sewn with faded mattress ticking and stuffed with lambswool, uncovered during 2020 investigations of the Nathaniel Russell Kitchen House. Pillow was discovered under the floorboards in the front of the fireplace in the west enslaved quarter. Pillow measures 4"x5".
A ripped page of an early 20th century hymnal uncovered during 2020 investigations of the Nathaniel Russell House Kitchen House. Page discovered under floorboards in the front of the fireplace in the 2nd floor west quarter.
1850-1859, 1840-1849, 1830-1839, 1810-1819, and 1820-1829
Description:
A small wooden brush with fine hairs uncovered during 2020 investigations of Nathaniel Russell House Kitchen House. Brush discovered under the floorboards in the front of the fireplace in the east enslaved quarter. Dates to period of enslavement.
Oil painting by Lt. William Elliott depicts the abortive attack on Fort Moultrie during the American Revolution. Plate on painting reads: "Charlestowne South Carolina. The abortive attack of Fort Moultrie 26th June, 1776, by a British naval force under Commodore Sir Peter Parker consisting of HMS's Bristol, Active, Experiment, Solebay, Actaeon, Syren, Sphinx, and bomb vessel Thunder. Lt. Wm. Elliott RN, Fl 1784-1792, Hon. Exhibitor at the Royal Academy."
Handwritten invitation on folded, embossed paper dated August 16, 1849. Discovered under floorboards in front of the fireplace in the east enslaved quarter during 2020 investigations of the Nathaniel Russell House kitchen house. The letter transcription reads, "Miss Mary Lopez respectfully/soliceits the honor of Mr. & Mrs./Allescader Compaony on/Wednesday Evening next/inst. at her residence/Prices Alley at 1/2 past 7/O'Clock August 16th, '49
Full-length portrait painted by portraitist Edward Savage depicting Alicia Russell Middleton (1789-1840), daughter of Nathaniel Russell, at six years old, depicted picking roses in the garden at the Russell's house on East Bay Street.
A walnut charity box topped with a silver plate on which 'Ladies Benevolent Society' is engraved. Used to store important papers and funds for the Ladies Benevolent Society.
Oil painting by William York depicts the blockade runner Economist leaving Charleston for Liverpool via Nassau on April 1862. The ship is depicted under English merchant colors.
Coral bead discovered during 2018 investigations of an enslaved quarter in the Nathaniel Russell House kitchen house. Coral is most often associated with children's necklaces and teething rattles in the 18th and 19th century as it was thought to have protective/medicinal properties.
Composed of cowhorn and pine, this sourvenir powderhorn was originally owned by Captain Charles Fornin Richardes of the 95th Regiment of the British Army. The engravings of the Powderhorn depict the pertinent places of the British and Cherokee encounter during the French and Indian War. A view of the city of Charleston and major rivers are illustrated at the bottom of the horn. Illustrated along the top of the horn are a string of Cherokee towns along the Little Tennessee River.
A fragment of a 1930's waistcoat that was discovered during 2017-2018 investigations of the Russell House kitchen house. Made of black worsted wool with a black silk lining and brass buttons, this waistcoat was likely the uniform of an enslaved butler or body-servant. The absence of any gold on the buttons may imply a waistcoat that belonged to an enslaved footmen or butler.
Rounded cardboard box with lid containing remnants of antimony, a substance used for medicinal purposes. Discovered during 2017-2018 investigations of an enslaved quarter in the Nathaniel Russell House kitchen house
Multiple views of a hinged sweetgrass basket with domed cover, decorated with pine knots and used as a sewing basket. Made with sweetgrass, pine needle, and bulrush sewn with palmetto leaf.
Front and interior views of a miniature basket made of sweetgrass and pine needle sewn with palmetto leaf. Decorative version of a sewing basket with removable lid.
Egg basket made of sweetgrass, bulrush, and pine needle, sewn with palmetto leaf. Cross handle is decorated with pine knots; wall slopes out from flared mouth and in towards bottom.
Smoked ivory ornamental face mask, mouth has five carved pointed teeth; origin Epulu (Democratic Republic of the Congo, formerly Zaire), but is a replica of masks created by the Dan people of Cote d'Ivoire.
Iron mortar and pestle from Lincolnville, South Carolina. According to Mrs. Gold, a local store owner grew the peanuts, shucked them, and made peanut butter with this mortar and pestle to sell in his store.
Painting of the Ituri rainforest, home of the Mbuti people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), by Anne Eisner Putnam. Heavy oil palette and brush, acrylic possibly used; signed "Anne Eisner", lower right.
Front, interior, and profile views of a multi-colored basket made of sweetgrass, bulrush, and pine needle, sewn with palmetto leaf. Sweetgrass is natural and dyed blue, orange, and red. A wrapped hinge is sewn into the bottom for hanging purposes.
Wooden imitation toy shield with rings painted on front and back; carved with handle on back; handle and piece on front painted black; origin Ituri rainforest.
Yellow, violet, and natural coiled raffia basket; repetitive geometric decorations in natural raffia within violet bands, edge is three rows of tightly woven material, plain underside; origin Uganda.
A children's doll made with two pieces of wood that depict a mother and child wearing raffia skirts. It has yellow beads for earrings. Origin West Africa.
