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Enslaved Potter's Voice Returns Home
20 Nov
Summary
- Descendants reclaimed two pottery vessels from MFA Boston.
- This marks a major restitution for an enslaved American artist.
- Potter David Drake inscribed jars with poems and his name.
In a groundbreaking restitution, descendants of enslaved potter David Drake have reclaimed two of his stoneware vessels from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. This agreement marks a significant moment, being the first major case of art restitution involving an enslaved artist in the United States. David Drake, known as 'Dave the Potter,' uniquely signed his work and inscribed it with poems, asserting his identity and authorship at a time when literacy for enslaved individuals was outlawed.
The family views this return as a spiritual restoration, reconnecting with an ancestor whose work had been lost to them for generations. While one of the returned jars was sold back to the MFA Boston to remain accessible for public education, the other is currently on lease to the museum. This arrangement ensures that Drake's legacy of resistance and artistry continues to be shared and appreciated.
Drake's inscribed jars offer a powerful glimpse into his humanity and resilience. His poems often touched on themes of faith, family separation, and his own enslavement. For his descendants, encountering his words, like 'I wonder where is all my relation,' has been deeply moving, finally answering a question posed by their ancestor nearly 175 years ago.
