Slave Collar, circa 1860

01

Artifact Overview

The wealth and power of Southern plantation owners depended upon a large labor force of enslaved people. Slaves known for running away might have had to wear an iron collar like this, for punishment or to prevent them from running away again. The hooks caught on bushes or tree limbs, causing a violent jerking to the individual's head and neck.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Slave collar

Date Made

circa 1860

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All

Object ID

2005.16.64

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Iron (Metal)
Brass (Alloy)

Dimensions

Height: 16 in
Diameter: 28 in (At widest point)

Inscriptions

stamped on lock: VR (below crown logo) / PATENT