Wash pot used by Manda Caldwell and her daughter Susan Caldwell McGill

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

This pot belonged to and was used by Manda (Amanda) Caldwell and her daughter Susie (Susan) Caldwell McGill. Manda Caldwell was born enslaved in the York County or Cherokee County areas of South Carolina. She worked as a laundress during and after her enslavement. Iron pots such as this one were used for many utilitarian purposes - washing clothes, making lye soap and cooking large quantities of food outside. A large, round iron pot with a brown, orange and red patina. The pot rests on four short legs and has four handles.

Catalog date

1850-1950

Recorded places

Gastonia, Gaston County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America; South Carolina, United States, North and Central America

Recorded subjects

African American; Cooking and dining; Domestic life; Families; Labor; Slavery

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