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Museum object · Slavery and Freedom Objects

Debarking tool with a metal handle

mid 19th-mid 20th century

Smithsonian NMAAHC collection

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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.

A debarking tool, or scratcher, with a metal handle. The handle is long, has a rounded shaft, and threading at the top of the handle. The handle is hallow and is stoppered with black material embedded with fibers. At the end of the handle is a metal stirrup shaped attachment. The attachment has a wide cutting edge. The shank of the attachment is embedded in the back of the handle and soldered into place. An associated small, white, paper tag reads [Pin[---?]]. The back of the tag is blank.

Sources & collection details

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture — original record ↗

Source collection ↗

Catalog metadata · CC0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

Catalog reference: 2017.108.23.24

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