Personal effects c. 1590 - 1596

This set of objects – a ball, a flute, and a drumstick – were most likely made by an enslaved African person in Suriname. Personal effects offers us a glimpse into the lives of those who were deliberately erased from the historical record. These items speak to the cultural practices and artistic expression that enslaved people managed to sustain. The presence of musical instruments suggests the importance of music and rhythm in maintaining cultural identity and community, as well as providing an emotional outlet. These instruments embody resilience, creativity, and resistance against the dehumanizing conditions of slavery. Personal Effects invites reflection on the untold stories of enslaved people and the ways in which they preserved their humanity. The intimacy of these objects encourages us to remember their individual experiences and to honor their legacy of resistance and cultural preservation.