Americana - Online Online
Description:
Silk Embroidered Ojibwa Minister George Copway Pincushion, probably London, England, c. 1850, the rectangular linen cushion with an embroidered diamond border and cross-stitched inscription "The Rev George Copway the/Ojibbeway Chief Preached at/Orange Street Chapel from/Hebrews the Eleventh Chapter/And the fourteenth Verse," the edge of the cushion "fringed" with tightly spaced straight pins, the back once covered in floral woven silk (mostly deteriorated),ht. 3 wd. 5 in.
Note: Reverend George Copway (1818-1869) or Kah-Ge-Ga-Gah-Bowh was a Mississaugas Ojibwa writer, Methodist missionary, lecturer and advocate for Native Americans. Copway traveled to England and Europe in 1850, spending time in London in August and September. The Orange Street Chapel was located near Leicester Square, London. His travels in England and Europe are recorded in his book Running Sketches of Men and Places in England, France, Germany, Belgium and Scotland, New York, 1851. Copway's first book, The Life, History, and Travels of Kah-Ge-Ga-Gah-Bowh, a Young Indian Chief of the Ojebwa Nation, Albany, 1847, is regarded as the first book published by a Native American.
Estimate $300-500
Cushion has three small holes in the front and a tear at the upper left corner; silk cloth on reverse deteriorated, few pins likely missing.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.