Swing Low: Harriet Tubman Memorial

Object Details

Caption: This maquette of Swing Low: Harriet Tubman Memorial is the model of a sculpture erected in the historically Black community of Harlem, in Manhattan, amidst plantings native to New York and Maryland, Tubman’s home state. The work depicts Tubman marching toward the American South like a locomotive, her petticoats pushing aside all resistance. The roots trailing her dress symbolize enslaved people uprooting themselves on their journey toward freedom, and Tubman’s role in uprooting the slave system itself.; On her portrayal of Tubman, Saar says, “I wanted not merely to speak of her courage or illustrate her commitment but to honor her compassion. And in this monument, I hope that the spirit of Harriet Tubman will inspire compassion in all of us here and for generations to come.”
Description: A bronze maquette for the Harriet Tubman memorial monument. The maquette portrays Tubman walking forward while trailing behind her are roots extending from the ground. On the surface of her skirt are individual faces along with locks and keys. Tubman stands on a small platform set atop a rock-like surface. Along the edge of the platform are small squares resembling quilt blocks. Set in an alternating pattern, each block depicts either geometric design or a small vignette, such as a male and female figure with an angel, a female figure chopping wood, and a male and female figure holding hands.

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Mimi and Werner Wolfen.

2007

Restrictions & Rights: © 2007 Alison Saar; Permission required for use. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Visual Arts
Exhibition: Reckoning: Protest. Defiance. Resilience.
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 052

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Topic: African American; Activism; Art; Emancipation; Freedom; Resistance; Self-liberation; Slavery; U.S. History, Civil War, 1861-1865; Women

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f1e3de3f-c0b8-4073-8d5a-ab2b326f79de