Bullwhip, circa 1860

01

Artifact Overview

The wealth and power of Southern plantation owners depended upon a large labor force of enslaved people. They justified their actions by considering enslaved people to be mere pieces of property. This bullwhip was originally intended for cattle or stock, but also attests to the brutal treatment of enslaved African Americans.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Whip (Animal equipment)

Date Made

circa 1860

Place of Creation

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

2005.16.63

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Leather

Dimensions

Length: 85 in