
Sheep
12 artifacts in this set
This expert set is brought to you by:
The staff at The Henry Ford
"Shepherd and Flock of Sheep," circa 1880
Print (Visual work)
Artists depicted rural settings in which sheep, shepherds and dogs interacted. Shepherds ensured that sheep had enough to eat by moving them to greener pastures. Dogs aided in this effort, protecting the flock from predators along the way. The combination protected the farmer’s investment in sheep, and the wool and meat that the flock produced.
"Sheep Herding in the West," circa 1905
Postcard
Flocks size depended on available grassland. Open spaces in the American west encouraged big flocks. Shepherds remained integral to sheep care, but horses became the favored mode of conveyance. On horseback, shepherds had a wider view of their larger flocks.
"Rover" the Dog outside Cotswold Barn in the Snow, Greenfield Village, January 1931
Photographic print
These sheep came from the Cotswold region in England to add context to the cottage and barn that Henry Ford acquired and reconstructed in Greenfield Village. This photograph shows "Rover," the Newfoundland dog that guarded the sheep.
Cat Riding a Sheep at Cotswold Cottage in Greenfield Village, 1932
Photographic print
This photograph shows a patient sheep with a relaxed cat on its back. The sheep's long-staple wool and broad back make it the perfect resting place for the cat. Both animals seem content.
Checker Station Wagon, April 1964
Photographic print
Sheep in a station wagon?! Why is that? Someone may have staged this shot as part of a silly stunt at a local fair. Why do the sheep stay in the station wagon? Sheep have the natural instinct to follow one another and be part of a flock. Perhaps that’s why they seem in no hurry to leave the car, but when one decided to exit, the rest would follow!
Merino Sheep Ready for Shearing at Firestone Farm in Greenfield Village, April 2014
Digital image
The Firestone family raised Merino sheep, and Merino sheep have been part of Firestone Farm in Greenfield Village since the site opened in 1985. Merinos yield high-quality ultra-fine wool. These sheep have the added value of wrinkles that increase their skin surface and thus the amount of wool per sheep. Farmers shear sheep each spring, and the wool regrows, ready for the next year’s harvest.
Sheep Figurine, 1845
Figurine
This realistic statue features a mother sheep (ewe) and its baby (lamb). It conveys the close relationship that existed between a mother and the instinct to feed its young.
Toy Lamb, 1875-1905
Toy (Recreational artifact)
This toy lamb was a favorite among children who might not live on a farm. They could get a closer look and more realistic sense of the farm animal by engaging with the toy.
Sheep Bank, 1900-1930
Bank (Container)
This Sheep Bank was a creative method of teaching children how to save money. It could help make saving money, an essential money management skill, enjoyable.
Hallmark "Roly-Poly Ram" Miniature Christmas Ornament, 1989
Christmas tree ornament
This whimsical ornament depicts a sheep -- a "roly-poly ram" to be precise! It could add a sense of playfulness to family holidays and special occasions.
Hallmark "Joyful Lamb" Easter Ornament, 1994
Holiday ornament
This ornament honors the lamb as a symbol of spring and fresh starts. Lambs represent the start of the cycle of life and renewal in the natural world.
Hallmark "Playful Shepherd" Christmas Ornament, 1997
Christmas tree ornament
This ornament features a shepherd riding a sheep -- playful so long as the sheep cooperated. This sheep appears happy. And the combination offers a different interpretation to a holiday season associated with shepherds watching their flocks by night in anticipation of the arrival of the Christ child.