His ambivalent interpretation of the word "terrorism" could be applied to an actor such as Iran and Syria-backed Hezbollah, a militia and political party representing Shia interests in Lebanon. According to the United States, Canada and Israel, all of Hezbollah (including its elected parliamentary faction) qualifies as a terrorist organization. According to the European Union and Australia, only the militia qualifies as a terrorist organization. They deem the political wing of Hezbollah as legitimate.
Hezbollah's large-scale attacks include the 1983 truck bombing at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the 1984 hijacking of a Kuwait Airways plane and the murder of two U.S. passengers, the 1992 suicide bombing at the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires and the 1996 truck bombing at the U.S. section of the Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia. Hezbollah has and continues to play an important role in Lebanese politics and society to the point where it has become a state within a state that offers and operates a multitude of social services. Indeed, Hezbollah's militia serves as Lebanon's de-facto army. Hezbollah's fundraising networks operate in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia.
Historically, the term terrorism refers to the Reign of Terror, a phase of the French Revolution during which the Committee of Public Safety under Maximilien Robespierre arrested and executed thousands to protect the revolution from its enemies, real or imaginary. Robespierre, for his part, justified this violence by the state against its citizens as follows: "If the mainspring of popular government in peacetime is virtue, amid revolution it is, at the same time, virtue and terror: virtue, without which terror is fatal; terror, without which virtue is impotent. Terror is nothing but prompt, severe, inflexible justice; it is therefore an emanation of virtue. It is less a special principle than a consequence of the general principle of democracy applied to our country's most pressing needs." Ultimately, Robespierre's approach proved unsustainable and damaged the credibility of the revolution in creating the conditions that led to the rise of Napoleon and the eventual return of the Bourbons.
Contemporary theories of terrorism have reversed the relationship just described. Whereas Robespierre's theory of terrorism sees it as a legitimate tool with which the state may protect itself against its enemies, modern theories focus on terrorism as the last resort of small groups who see the state as their enemy and aim to achieve sweeping political change through violence. Indeed, modern states now have to consider the possibility of "lone wolves" who act on their own, with little help, if any, from others. Within this context, the role of technology is important. New information technologies are helping to radicalize individuals and greatly enhance the murderousness of their actions.
On the whole, these larger perspectives on terrorism are not mutually exclusive. Consider Iran, a state with its own fair share of Robespierre-like figures. Its government has a well-documented history of committing acts against its own civilian population to maintain order inside its borders — Iran's Revolutionary Guard crushed an uprising by ethnic Kurds soon after the revolution — and it has sponsored terrorist acts outside them. The United States considers Iran the world's "most active state sponsor of terrorism," and the U.S. Department of Defense estimates Iran supports Hezbollah with roughly $100 million to $200 million annually. U.S. officials also suspect Iran provided training and arms to Taliban fighters.
Ultimately, both perspectives point to the inherently political nature of terrorism and terrorist acts. This pertains to excluded or persecuted groups seeking remedy for ideological, ethnic or religious grievances, or for ideologues pursuing religious and/or territorial goals.
The following list recognizes some of terrorism's most dangerous practitioners, chosen with two main criteria. First, they believe warfare is first and foremost a matter of motivation and organization. Accordingly, all but one of the figures on this list are considered senior leaders. Second, the list aims for a degree of regional diversity in recognizing that terrorism comes in many local forms. This said, each of the individuals on this list is a member of the Muslim world and each but one is committed to some measure of Islamic jihad, with some more sincere than others. Through their rejection of democratic values and demands for theocratic government, these individuals stand apart from the majority of peace-loving Muslims.
As such, these individuals do not appear as representatives of a religion nominally practised by 1.2 billion. If anything, they are using religion as a veneer to legitimize their grievances with the secular dictatorships that have historically dominated most of the Middle East and their western enablers, whom they accuse of corrupting Islam and its values.
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may consider himself Caliph of the Islamic State (IS) and he may command several thousand men in a space that stretches across northern Syria and Iraq. Yet the entity that al-Baghdadi claims to govern might be more a metaphysical construct whose major purpose consists of convincing followers he is capable of historic feats. Despite the fact that al-Baghdadi has managed to transform parts of two independent states into a laboratory of theocratic governance, it is highly unlikely that he will be able to consolidate that space into a viable state.
Ideas, however, still matter and ideas have their consequences. Since IS fighters captured large swaths of northern Iraq and Syria in June 2014, they have massacred thousands and threatened entire groups of people with genocide. Despite this wholesale aggression, they are likely best known for their horrifying beheading of Westerners (such as James Foley, Steven Sotloff, David Haines, and more recently, Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto Jogo) and non-Westerners alike. Notably though, IS appears to reserve the most gruesome forms of execution for Muslims, as was the case for Muath Al-Kasaesbeh, the Jordanian pilot IS burned alive.
But if the depravity of IS appears well documented, we know little of the man who conceived it. Al-Baghdadi might be the current face of global jihad, but information about him does not go far beyond basic biographical information. Born in 1971, in the Iraqi city of Samarra, as Awad Ibrahim al-Badri, al-Baghdadi trained as an imam and claims to be a direct descendant of Muhammad. Following the American invasion of Iraq in 2003, he joined the resistance against the infidel invaders, who eventually arrested him.
A bus parked near a terminal in central Baghdad, Iraq, was destroyed by two car bombs in a 2005 attack orchestrated by Sunnis stepping up their insurgency in protest of the Shi'ite government.
But al-Baghdadi regained his freedom in 2004 after an American commission reviewing his case urged his immediate release — a fateful decision in retrospect. While in prison, he had made contact with local al-Qaeda, whom he eventually joined to fight under the leadership of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the founder of the Islamic State in Iraq. Following al-Zarqawi's violent death in 2006 during the U.S.-led "surge" against Islamist groups, al-Baghdadi eventually assumed leadership of the group.
Al-Baghdadi's foray into the Syrian civil war dates back to 2012 when he dispatched troops to fight the regime of Bashar al-Assad. As part of this move, al-Baghdadi sought to merge his organization with the local al-Qaeda affiliate, al-Nusra Front. Al-Qaeda's leader, Ayman al-Zawahiri, however, forbade the merger, a decision that led to a break between al-Baghdadi and al-Zawahiri. As Magnus Ranstorp, a research director at the Swedish National Defence College, told Der Spiegel last year, this split can be read as a larger generational conflict between competing types of jihadists. Eventually, al-Baghdadi's mixture of barbarism, brutality and bribery carried the day as much of al-Nusra switched sides.
Conventional accounts frame the emergence of IS as a sudden, unforeseen development, a narrative that German author Bruno Schirra recently challenged in his 2015 book ISIS – Der globale Dschihad (jihad). Mr. Schirra argues that al-Baghdadi and IS arose in the slipstream of al-Zarqawi. As such, IS appears as a legacy of the U.S. invasion and its various failures, chief among them not establishing a competent government that could reconcile the majority Shia and minority Sunni interests. Instead, the Shia-dominated government went out of its way to anger Sunnis, thereby creating a recruiting tool for al-Baghdadi.
The same day terrorists attacked the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, Nigerians were also mourning the victims of multiple terror attacks in northeastern Nigeria by the Abubakar Shekau-led Boko Haram that had claimed hundreds, if not thousands, of victims around the same time as the Paris attacks.
Oslo, Norway, immediately after the 2011 terrorist attack perpetrated by Anders Behring Breivik. He killed eight people by setting off a van bomb amid government buildings and then opened fire on a summer camp, killing 69 participants.
Events in the Middle East, and elsewhere, however, have overshadowed this chaos, an unfortunate development. Boko Haram's brutality is only comparable to the level displayed by the Islamic State and Boko Haram has matched IS's tactics, if not its territorial acquisitiveness. According to an estimate by the British newspaper The Telegraph, Boko Haram controls an area the size of Costa Rica or Slovakia that is home to 1.7 million people, no small accomplishment for a diffuse group, whose active membership ranges in the hundreds to low thousands, according to estimates from the U.S. State Department.
Other parallels between the two groups have also appeared. Both are bent on carving out political space governed by Sharia law. Both have managed to overwhelm local security. Despite some recent successes, the Nigerian army has been no less feeble in stopping Boko Haram than the Iraqi army in dealing with IS. Indeed, Nigeria has followed Iraq in accepting foreign assistance. Finally, both Boko Haram and IS are led by individuals about whom the global community knows little beyond whatever propaganda messages they release for consumption.
If we accept the premise that al-Qaeda is a multinational enterprise with subsidiaries around the world, a case can be made that its current CEO, Ayman al-Zawahiri, has revived a global brand that appeared to some to be spent after its founding leader, Osama bin Laden, died at the hands of American Navy SEALs in May 2011.
What appears even more remarkable is the fact that the person responsible for this revival once suffered the stigma of being a symbol of the malaise that had gripped al-Qaeda following the violent death of its figurehead. While various al-Qaeda affiliates had been making names for themselves in North Africa, the Middle East and around the world, the core of al-Qaeda found its operational freedom increasingly limited by American military and security forces. The days of striking highly symbolic western targets were long gone when al-Zawahiri, the group's ideological mastermind, assumed operational command. This reality must have particularly riled al-Zawahiri. The 63-year-old Egyptian-born surgeon had, after all, organized the 9/11 attacks, the apex of al-Qaeda's global influence. Since then, the group has experienced a creeping, but inexorable decline and al-Qaeda's entire agenda of redeeming the Arab world by returning it to glory days of the 7th Century seemed done after young, western-oriented protesters had toppled the likes of Tunisia's Ben Ali and Egypt's Hosni Mubarak during the Arab Spring. Subsequent events have since shown that this ephemeral moment in the history of the Arab world has actually allowed al-Qaeda to recover its momentum.
In a tragic turn of fate, the incomplete revolutions that roiled the Arab world left behind uncertainty and chaos, fertile ground for al-Qaeda's message. Granted, other groups, such as IS, have copied and further radicalized this message, drawing away al-Qaeda's resources and recruits. But al-Qaeda remains a player, thanks in part to al-Zawahiri and his institutional knowledge. While al-Zawahiri has taken a public backseat to more charismatic figures inside and outside the al-Qaeda fold, his influence remains evident by the number of groups who choose to affiliate with the organization. Indeed, al-Zawahiri took to the air himself last September to announce the creation of a new branch called Qaedat al-Jihad in the Indian Subcontinent. And if we were to read the U.S. State Department's Reward for Justice program as a Forbes-like list of the world's most infamous terrorists, al-Zawahiri would top it. Only he commands a bounty of up to $25 million.
It is not entirely clear what, if any, role al-Wuhayshi's al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) played in the attacks that killed 17 individuals in Paris in early January.
One, possibly both, of the Kouachi brothers who massacred 12 individuals in and near the offices of the French satirical magazine, Charlie Hebdo, on Jan. 7 had travelled to Yemen in the summer of 2011 to receive some form of weapons training. Indeed, Inspire, AQAP's English-language online magazine had published a 'Wanted dead or alive' graphic last spring that included the name of Charlie Hebdo's editor, who was known simply as "Charb." He was shot to death during the attack. Various reports citing Western intelligence sources have generally dismissed the possibility of a direct link between the Paris attacks and AQAP. For one, it is not consistent with recent al-Qaeda behaviour. As the Economist has noted, al-Qaeda and its affiliates are focusing their energies on "the near enemy, not the far enemy." While attacks on Western targets might be inspiring, the magazine noted, al-Qaeda's over-arching aim remains the establishment of a caliphate across the Islamic world based on Sharia law. By that standard, al-Wuhayshi must surely rank among the most competent al-Qaeda franchisees.
The 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, pictured here as United Airlines Flight 175 hit the south tower, was the most deadly act of terrorism of many orchestrated against the West by al-Qaeda.
Considered an apprentice of Osama bin Laden, al-Wuhayshi served as his personal secretary before Iranian authorities captured him. Extradited to Yemen, he eventually escaped a maximum-security prison in 2006. Since then, he has committed himself to the cause of creating a caliphate. While efforts to overthrow the Saudi government have failed, the group has made a global name for itself both by attacking Western targets in Yemen and by AQAP's online magazine Inspire. In 2009, it even attempted to bring down a plane bound for Detroit by way of a suicide bomber who had stuffed explosives in his underwear and was unable to detonate them beyond causing a small fire. And in 2010, it shipped bombs from Yemen to synagogues in Chicago.
But al-Wuhayshi's biggest achievements so far have been of a local nature. The 38-year-old Yemeni has managed to destabilize his place of birth by entrenching his organization deep into its society and stands to be one of the central beneficiaries of the chaotic conditions that have gripped the country since Shia rebels, known as Houthis, chased away its Western-backed government in January 2015.
While AQAP is deeply hostile towards the Houthis, AQAP's capture of the capital city of Sana'a has only deepened the fissures that threaten to fracture Yemen. In turn, the absence of any government will allow al-Wuhayshi to consolidate his gains and create what many would consider to be a horror scenario: a large training group and operating base for terrorists from around the world near one of the most important global shipping lanes and the Saudi-Arabian oilfields.
It is no wonder then that the United States has invested considerable effort and energy in denuding al-Wuhayshi's group. According to The Long War Journal, published by the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a self-described non-profit, non-partisan American policy institute, the United States has conducted 111 covert airstrikes against terrorist targets in Yemen since 2002, with enemy deaths numbering 546 and civilian deaths numbering 105, as of Feb. 21. As for al-Wuhayshi personally, he is among the six individuals who rank behind Ayman al-Zawahiri on the U.S. State Department's Reward for Justice program, with a bounty of $10 million on his head.
If the nature of terrorism reflects the intellectual tenor of the times during which it occurs, we can easily make the case that most of the men on this list exist almost exclusively within the context of a radicalized Islam that seeks to redeem a world corrupted by foreign ideas. To be clear, this commentary does not attempt to absolve them of their actions. It instead aims to place them into a larger tableau.
Sirajuddin Haqqani comes by his place on this list via family ties. In the 1970s, Pakistan's Inter-services Intelligence Agency (ISI) started to sponsor Sirajuddin Haqqani's father, Jalaluddin, in opposition to Daoud Khan, the Soviet-backed leader of Afghanistan. This sponsorship intensified after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and ISI eventually made Haqqani's militia one of the main recipients of American-made weapons to be aimed at Soviet occupiers. A capable and courageous mujahedeen during the 1980s, Jalaluddin eventually joined the Taliban government that assumed power in the early 1990s following the humiliating departure of the Soviets.
Efforts to win Jalaluddin over to the Western cause, following the events of 9/11 and the arrival of American troops in Afghanistan, failed and his militia eventually joined the resistance against the U.S.-led coalition. Experts estimate that the Haqqani Network (as the militia is known) controls about 10,000 men. They rank it among the most effective of the anti-Western forces that have sought to destabilize Afghanistan as part of efforts to establish a nationalistic government based on Sharia law. One reason for the group's effectiveness is its ethnic cohesion. Control of the group has remained within a small circle of Haqqani family members, all of whom are Pashtuns. In this sense, Sirajuddin is only one of the many Haqqanis who has followed the family patriarch, Jalaluddin, into a life of combating foreign armies and ideas via terror.
Washington holds Sirajuddin, who was born circa 1973, according to the U.S. State Department, responsible for several deadly attacks against coalition forces and the attempted assassination of Afghan president Hamid Karzai in 2008. Designated a global terrorist, Sirajuddin maintains close ties with the Taliban and al-Qaeda, ties first developed by his father. And like his father, Sirajuddin may have also successfully resisted and outlasted a superpower. The United States has placed a bounty of $10 million on his head.
Algeria, Libya, Mali, Mauritania and Niger: These are just some of the countries where Abu Musab Abdel Wadoud has made his influence felt. Also known as Abdelmalek Droukdel, Wadoud currently leads al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), an al-Qaeda franchise that emerged out of the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), an Algerian terrorist group whose roots reach back to that country's civil war.
Wadoud's central contribution consists of transforming what was once a domestic terror group into a regional player. His actions have caused considerable consternation in several African and European capitals. This process began in 2004, when Wadoud assumed leadership of GSPC. Fewer than three years later, the group had changed its name to AQIM after affiliating itself with Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda.
Hezbollah posters such as these went up in the aftermath of the 2006 Lebanon War, also known as the Israeli-Hezbollah War.
This move earned AQIM access to previously unavailable resources and increased its lethality as it adopted terror techniques traditionally associated with al-Qaeda, including suicide bombings. The founding basis of this arrangement between Wadoud and bin Laden was their mutual desire to replace the authoritarian, but secular governments of North Africa (including Algeria's) with Islamic regimes. But this agenda suffered a serious setback in 2011 when pro-democratic forces toppled repressive regimes in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya during the Arab Spring.
Bin Laden's death the same year only added to the annus horribilis for global jihadists. But al-Qaeda and its various affiliates, including AQIM, have proven themselves to be far more resilient than believed. Indeed, they have profited from the political instability that followed the Arab Spring. AQIM, for example, has been a direct beneficiary of the chaos that gripped the Sahel region following the collapse of Libya's Gadhafi regime in 2011. With much of the region ungoverned, Wadoud's group has been able to expand its operational footprint.
This development also proved to be profitable for the bottom line of AQIM, already said to be the wealthiest of al-Qaeda's franchises. Current revenue sources include an extensive network of trans-Saharan smuggling routes and the kidnapping of Western foreigners for ransom. European governments, especially France, have tried to restore order in the region, but efforts so far have met with only modest success. Alluding to the ungovernable border region between Afghanistan and Pakistan, some experts have come to describe the region as Sahelistan. If so, the 44-year-old Algerian-born Wadoud may well be its emir.
And if we are to believe various experts, Wadoud's group is also capable of striking in Europe, where AQIM can count on 500 sympathizers in various European countries, including France, Spain and Germany.
For a man with a multimillion-dollar bounty on his head, Hafiz Muhammad Saeed seems rather sanguine about his status as one of the most wanted terrorists in the world.
Head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Saeed is the person many believe to be responsible for the terrorist attacks that killed more than 160 and injured more than 300 people in the Indian city of Mumbai in 2008. Before this attack, the group had focused its activities on the Kashmir region. Saeed currently occupies a middle-class home in the Pakistani city of Lahore and makes regular appearances on Pakistani talk shows. Indeed, it would not be a stretch to suggest that Saeed, who holds two master's degrees and specialized in Islamic studies and Arabic, lives rather an ordinary life — at least by the standards of the other individuals on this list. Saeed's mundane existence certainly mocks Washington, which has offered $10 million for tips leading to his conviction.
This dollar figure does not seem to faze Saaed. "I move about like an ordinary person — that's my style," he told the New York Times in 2013. "My fate is in the hands of God, not America." Such expressions of humility, however, diminish the far-reaching influence that Saeed has had on Earth, especially on the section across which India, Pakistan and Afghanistan stretch. As founder and reputed leader of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Saeed sits at the very top of a tightly hierarchical organization that is more than just a terrorist or militant organization.
While its official rhetoric articulates familiar refrains about global jihad, its actual agenda appears more local. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, the group aims to unite the contested territory of Kashmir with Pakistan by changing the dynamics of India, Pakistan and Afghanistan through destabilizing attacks against civilian targets that specifically exclude Muslims. But this method is only one of many in the group's arsenal. It operates a range of social services, maintains ties with multiple political parties and enjoys tacit support from the Pakistani military.
As The New Yorker's Steve Coll says, Saeed's group is "a three-dimensional political and social movement with an armed wing, not merely a terrorist or paramilitary outfit." Recent years have seen the group shift towards political rather than violent means, but it still possesses significant resources, with terrorist camps spread across Pakistan. And despite statements to the contrary, the Pakistani military still seems to see value in what The Times calls "good jihadists" such as Saeed. His ability to freely roam the streets of Lahore says as much. Naturally, it goes without saying that India would scarcely use the same adjective to describe Saeed.
Is Mohammed Deif, the commander of Hamas's military wing, still alive? A letter bearing his signature and posted in late January on the website of Hezbollah-run Al-Manar TV claims as much. Israeli bombs targeted Deif on Aug. 20, 2014 during Operation Protective Edge, the Israeli military operation in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip that officially took place between July 8 and Aug. 26, 2014.
The operation itself, which responded to Hamas rocket attacks following the death of a Palestinian teenager at the hands of three Israeli youth, claimed a conflicting number of deaths. The United Nations says at least 2,104 Palestinians died, including 1,462 civilians, of whom 495 were children and 253 women, according to a BBC report. According to this same report, 66 military personnel died.
As The Washington Post wrote in early August, Deif is "enemy number one" for Israelis. "Deif has tormented the Jewish state for three decades, deploying suicide bombers and directing the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers," it notes. According to the Post, Israeli officials believe Deif has been the mastermind of Hamas's strategy of firing rockets at civilian targets and building up the network of tunnels with which Hamas could supply the isolated Gaza Strip and infiltrate Israel. Experts note that Operation Protective Edge has severely denuded Hamas, both in terms of materiel and personnel.
But it is not clear whether Deif was among those killed. Over the years, he has survived several assassination attempts, earning him the nickname "the cat with nine lives." Whether he had one of those left on Aug. 20 remains a matter of speculation. Khaled Mashal, the political head of Hamas, told Vanity Fair in an interview that Mohammed Deif is alive. "Israelis failed to kill him … he will continue to fight the Israeli aggression and occupation. We have proof." Mashal, however, failed to offer this proof, noting that Deif is a "military man who hardly ever turned up in public, even before the war." Indeed. Born in 1965 in a Palestinian refuge camp, Deif has remained a shadowy figure of whom little is known. Indeed, the Post notes that "no one even knows whether Deif is his real name" and rumours place him in a wheelchair following an Israeli assassination attempt in 2006 that also cost him an eye and an arm. The fact that we still know little of Deif after the last assassination attempt suggests, though, that he is still alive.
Compared to the other terrorists listed here, Al-Munawar ranks in the third tier of individuals for whose conviction the U.S. State Department has offered a reward — in this case, a figure of up to $5 million. Al-Munawar earned this status, which he shares with 46 other individuals, for his part in the hijacking of Pan Am Flight 73 in the Pakistani city of Karachi in 1986.
Unlike contemporary terrorist groups, the FRC did not draw inspiration from a radical interpretation of religious doctrine. It was secular and it struck targets — Western airplanes and airports, among others — that today's terrorists have either abandoned or been foiled from executing since a post-9/11 security revolution.
But if Al-Munawar's agenda and actions reflect an earlier era of terrorism, his biography reaches deep into the present. Pakistani security forces apprehended Al-Munawar and his comrades 16 hours after they stormed the plane in 1986, and then a Pakistani court sentenced the four, plus a fifth man, to death. All, however, eventually gained their freedom, beginning in 2001 with ringleader Zayd Hassan Abd al-Latif Safarini, who was arrested again in Thailand on his way to Jordan after his release. Sentenced to 160 years in prison in Colorado, Safarini reiterated during his U.S. trial what the group had revealed during their trial in Pakistan, namely that they wanted to use the aircraft as a pawn to secure the release of imprisoned comrades and eventually launch it as a missile against a high-profile Israeli target — in short, stage 9/11 before 9/11. As for Al-Munawar himself, he remains at large.
More than one year after Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea, Ukraine remains a grinding fault line of international tensions. Pinched by the unacceptable territorial drift of its large Russian neighbour, Ukraine has sought shelter in the Western world, only to find out that many of its leaders have remained rather coy about welcoming the country into their fold, notwithstanding their supportive rhetoric. With no immediate resolution in sight following failed peace talks in early February, the unsettled status of Ukraine threatens to divert attention away, if it has not already, from the geopolitical complexities of the Caucasus region, a chaotic crossroad of ancient hatreds and new ambitions where Europe and Asia collide.
One small, but potentially disruptive player in this unique political ecosystem is Ali Abu Mukhammad, the self-styled Emir of the Islamic Caucasus Emirate. Mukhammad was born as Aliaskhab Kebekov in Dagestan, a Russian republic that borders the former Soviet republics of Georgia, to its west, Azerbaijan to its southwest and the Caspian Sea to its east. Home to a multitude of ethnic groups that speak a mélange of languages, this southernmost region of Russia has been the site of an Islamic insurgency since at least the late 1990s and Mukhammad is only the latest militant leader who has declared jihad against the Russian infidels.
In fact, Mukhammad's public profile has been rather low since he replaced Doku Umarov, whom Russian security forces killed in March 2014. But if Mukhammad himself has been lying low, it would be a mistake to question the reach and ruthlessness of the Islamic Caucus Emirate. According to Stanford University's Mapping Militant Organizations website, the group first emerged in 2007 when Mukhammad's predecessor resigned from his position as president of the Republic of Ichkeria, the secessionist government of the neighbouring Russian republic of Chechnya. Drawing inspiration from Salafism, the group seeks to establish a Sharia-governed territory that stretches across southern Russia. It has since expanded this nationalistic agenda by joining the global jihad movement in 2009 following a leadership meeting. This move ended feuding with the Riyadus-Salikhin faction that had staged attacks in Moscow (2002) and Beslan (2004) and extended institutional ties with al-Qaeda. Briefly, the former attack saw 40 armed Chechens storm the Dubrovka Theatre, where they took 912 hostages. A rescue staged three days later led to the deaths of all hostage takers, but also 130 hostages. The latter attack, meanwhile, led to the deaths of 331 people, including 186 children, after Chechen separatists held more than 1,000 children and adults hostage. In both cases, Chechens were responding to Russia's heavy-handed response to Chechen independence.
But if this relationship suggests a subordinate role, the Islamic Caucasus Emirate found its own deadly way of garnering headlines on Dec. 29, 2013, when it staged two separate suicide bombings in Volgograd, Russia, killing 34 people. The attacks occurred just weeks before the start of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in the Russian Black Sea resort town of Sochi and prompted condemnation from countless quarters, including then-NATO secretary-general Anders Fogh Rasmussen, who promised that NATO and Russia would stand together in the fight against terrorism. In light of the current Ukraine crisis, Rasmussen's promise reads like an artifact from a long-past era of Russian-Western relations.
Dr. Wolfgang Depner recently graduated from the University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus, where he has taught Canadian politics, international affairs and political theory.


The owners wanted to feel in the house as if they "were on vacation", with views to the garden from most windows. "Cozy and comfortable, lots of places to curl up and relax, with more free and open space," was how they expressed it.
They wanted to convert an existing Territorial style house into a home with a sense of spaciousness to closely match their contemporary lifestyle. Numerous French doors, windows and clerestories flood the interior with natural light.
The overall intent was to express the memory of the original house by way of the preserved footprint and to layer this organization with a series of what appear to be freestanding structures linked by a glazed hall, thereby creating a "compound" feeling characteristic of the historical precedents found in Santa Fe. This also provided a closer link between the interior rooms and the exterior gardens and courtyards. The renovation gestured back to an earlier architectural prototype that took a typical suburban home and infused it with a characteristic that was both historical in reference and contemporary in overall character.


In addition to the dystopia of MegaTokyo, BGC has a distinctly feminist cyberpunk view [note to gpl: perhaps you or Gene would like to add something here from Harroway, which I haven't read]. Women are nearly always the major victims of Genom's misuse of technology in this series, whether it be the woman friend of Linna's who is hunted down and killed by Boomers in episode 2, or the mother who is killed in a collapsing apartment in episode 3 when Genom tears down the complex to make way for a new industrial facility, or the docile Cynthia from episode 1, by all appearances a human girl but in reality a satellite controlling device who is unaware of her true nature and overseen by Genom (in the form of a "male" Boomer), or Sylvie and Anri, the doomed "sexaroids" in episodes 5 and 6 who were built for recreational purposes but want to escape and live freely like normal humans.
Throughout the series, the enemies are predominantly male, whether it be Quincy, the aged president of Genom, or Mason, his opportunistic subordinate, or Largo, the android construct which is built with Mason's original brain patterns. But in this context, the Knight Sabers can be seen as empowered women, as they are able to continuously foil Genom's plans through their use of similar technology; in effect, they have one-upped the males at their own game. Compare the way that the Sabers swing into battle and work as a team to Leon's inadequacy when he gets a chance to wear a combat suit of his own. But the Sabers' strength isn't restricted only to their battlesuits; when they are living the civilian life, they are very much their own women. Priss successfully rejects nearly every advance Leon makes towards her, Linna runs through a new boyfriend every week, but there's no doubting who's in charge in each situation, and Nene doesn't feel obligated to go on diets or increased training to be recognized as worthy by the team. In fact, one of the best things about BGC is the unabashed attention that the four protagonists receive.


A Vegetarian is a confused human.
All humans are Omnivores at birth, some humans alter their diet to being Herbivores for (yet to be understood) reasons. In a further continuation of this mania, they may go on to become Vegan.
Vegetarians might sometimes choose to eat MeatSubstituteProduct .
A famous London restaurateur once boasted that he loved taking calls from vegetarians. "Do you have anything for us?" they would ask. "Yes," would be his reply. "Contempt." — Tom Norrington-Davis (lol, yes that's a real name) The Guardian. You might be interested in reading something more about open source intelligence wiki.


text:
Q: Why is my dconf setting suddenly non-writable? I'm trying to change my screensaver settings in Cinnamon 2.6.13 on Ubuntu 14.04 trusty.
When the system image was fresh, I was able to change the setting /org/cinnamon/desktop/screensaver/ask-for-away-message to whatever I wanted.  Now, however, the option seems to be "locked" at false, and using dconf write (even with sudo) gives the following output:
dconf write /org/cinnamon/desktop/screensaver/ask-for-away-message true
error: The operation attempted to modify one or more non-writable keys

The only thing I can think of that could have caused this was when I tried a new screensaver a few weeks ago.  I hated it and changed it back to default, but since then I haven't been able to change the setting of ask-for-away-message, and I really want it to true again...
Why is the setting now "non-writable"?

A: I'm a little late to the party, but I found the solution to a very similar problem I was having.
Look in /etc/dconf/db/local.d/locks/screensaver and see if your key is listed. Anything listed in this file is locked, and cannot be changed at all.
Also check /etc/dconf/db/local.d/00-screensaver, as that file forces global settings, which might also be affecting it.
More info can be found at https://access.redhat.com/solutions/1201153.

A: Maybe some program set a lock on the according key. I found this in the Gnome developer documentation, probably works also with your system as it uses dconf.

Locks
System databases can contain 'locks' for keys. If a lock for a particular key or subpath is installed into a database then no database listed above that one in the profile will be able to modify any of the affected settings. This can be used to enforce mandatory settings.
To add locks to a database, place text files in the /etc/dconf/db/database.d/locks directory, where database is the name of a system database, as specified in the profile. The files contain list of keys to lock, on per line. Lines starting with a # are ignored. Here is an example:
# prevent changes to the company wallpaper
/org/gnome/desktop/background/picture-uri

After changing locks, the database needs to be updated with the dconf(1) tool.

Copied from https://developer.gnome.org/dconf/unstable/dconf-overview.html

A: I have two ideas:

*

*You are trying to write a VALUE of a wrong type; e.g. write a string into an integer KEY

*Try to reset that KEY, prior to write in it

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Hi élan vital, congratulations the win!
Can you shortly introduce yourself for our readers?
élan vital: Hey, I'm élan vital. Been making beats for the Stones Throw Beat Battles for nearly 2 years now, on and off. I'm based in Manchester, UK.
Where does the name élan vital come from?
élan vital: I came across it when I was at uni. It's a term first introduced by the philosopher Henri Bergson, in the early 20th century and roughly translates as life force. It feeds into ideas about consciousness and time – concepts that interested me then and continue to do so I guess.
How did you learn to make beats? Do you play any instruments?
What Equipment or software (DAW, VST's etc) did you use on this track?
élan vital: For this I used a Yamaha Portasound that I borrowed which was bought for £1 (more of which below). That was responsible for all the keys/synth sounds. I used one of the free TAL synths for the bass line. The rest was sequenced, mixed and mastered in Ableton.
What was your approach to get started?
élan vital: The last beat I had done had a bass heavy junglist vibe to it (jungle again!), so I knew before I started that I wanted to do something quite different. I was looking to do something organic, slightly more gentle, with maybe some foley involved.
With that in mind, I started going through the six samples provided to see what would fit. The first one I came across was the one used for the intro. I chopped it up, added a chopped break and left it. That all happened really quickly. I then kept looking and found the synth sample which spoke to me much more – and fed in to where I wanted to go with my track.
How did you make use of the sample?
élan vital: I made several chops of the synth sample, but ultimately just made an 8-bar loop using the last two chords of the sample. I set the tempo in Ableton to something that would get my head nodding, and chopped the sample up. Reversed it, added some flanger, then played around with the fades to make it sound like a synth with a slow attack time. I then automated a filter for it, which is a bit more pronounced in the when the keys come in.
The next day I jammed that looped sample with my friend Liam, who's a drummer and is helping me play some of my beats live. We were both really feeling it. I jammed some bass over it, then used the Yamaha Portasound which was lying around in the rehearsal room to jam some keys. I recorded what I was doing on my phone so I could go back home and add the parts.
How did you go about the drumwork?
élan vital: I took the breaks I'd used in the intro and chopped them further to fit the looped sample. Processed those, and then put them real low in the mix. Then I jammed some beats over it using the keys on my laptop. The sounds are all one shots ripped from vinyl that I've saved in a folder. I think there's a high rim shot, a low rim, and several claps all layered. Two hi hats – one's a 909 and the other's chopped from a break. At first I used a pitched tom for the kick, but then switched it out once the bassline was in as they didn't meld together so well.
Did you stumble upon any difficulties?
élan vital: I had a lot of fun with this one from start to finish (not always the case!). Mastering caused a few headaches and always takes time with me (maybe too much time).
Are there any interesting aspects about the track you'd like to share?
élan vital: Once I had the arrangement down I knew that I needed some kind of vocals on it. The track had a real nostalgic vibe to it, so I spent quite a while on Youtube trying to find something that would fit. Eventually I found a video from the late seventies/early eighties of some kids playing jacks. I ripped the audio and dropped it onto the track. Once I found the phrase 'we got the jacks back', it was a eureka moment. I kinda hastily rearranged the track a little after that and added a few more vocal cuts to create a story. It's not the first time I've used kids' voices on a track (check out tic tac toe on my soundcloud), but it still felt like a risk. I try quite hard to bring storytelling and atmospheric vibes to my tracks, so I'm really glad people have been picking up on these aspects.
Any recent projects/collabs going on?
élan vital: I'm working on a few things…one of which is a live show with Liam on drums. We play in Manchester the Songs for Walter Christmas Party at the Peer Hat on December 5th.
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview with us! Good luck with the next battle!


Celebrate Today: It's Graduation Time!
I don't know about you, but the graduation announcements and invitations have been arriving in the mail. I'm prepared thanks to Stampin' Up!'s Celebrate Today stamp set and matching balloon framelits. This card came together quickly and easily!
Inspired by Susie Wood, my card base is the cool Brushed Silver Card Stock. The Basic Black Card Stock was punched with the Confetti Stars Punch to add an air of celebration. It's topped off with additional stars punched from the shiny Silver Foil paper.
Treat your favorite graduate with a fun, handmade card.
To purchase the supplies to create this card, just click on any of the photos below.


We are being exposed to more toxic chemicals that can do serious harm, or even permanent harm, to our bodies. Let's look at the top 10 toxic chemicals and what you need to know about each of them.
Most products with synthetic fragrance, such as air fresheners, dish soap, laundry detergent, perfumes, and colognes contain phthalates. In short, anything that doesn't have a natural scent is suspect. Phthalates are also found in plastic bottles, vinyl flooring, shower curtains, cosmetics, pharmaceutical drugs, and even some foods.
What they do: Phthalates have been linked to birth defects, cancer, ADHD, thyroid dysfunction, and other serious conditions. They are considered endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that are capable of influencing the body's hormone systems and can produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and animals.
What you can do: Read labels on your home care products, cosmetics, and perfumes. Choose ones that only use natural fragrances or are labeled as "no fragrance/fragrance-free." Develop the sense of smell to distinguish between fake scents and natural ones, and avoid products with "fake" smells.
Bisphenol-A, or BPAs, are commonly found in polycarbonate plastic containers, epoxy resins, food container liners, plastic bottles, and packaging. Studies have shown that food containers with BPA (and even some containers labeled BPA-free) can degrade when microwaved and release BPA into the food that is then ingested.
BPA is a synthetic estrogen, and an endocrine disruptor. BPA in the body has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and fertility problems.
Avoid plastic bottles and containers and switch to stainless steel and glass. Never heat plastic containers in the microwave, and look for "BPA-free" containers when plastic can't be avoided. Avoid canned food, opting for fresh or frozen instead.
Oxybenzone is a chemical used in some sunscreen, lip balm, lipstick, moisturizers, and nail polish.
What it does: Oxybenzone may block harmful UV rays, but it has also been linked to endocrine disruption and cancer. It has also been known to cause coral reef die-off in some oceans.
What you can do: Read labels and avoid this ingredient. Find a sunscreen that uses zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, or other safe sun blockers.
Heavy metals, like cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, and arsenic are ubiquitous in our world. They can be found in the air, water, dust, foods, paint, dyes, and many other sources.
What they do: Heavy metals are toxic for a number of reasons. For example, cadmium is linked to lung inflammation after acute exposure and lung cancer with chronic exposure. Short-term exposure to mercury can cause diarrhea, fever, and vomiting, while long-term exposure can cause neurotic disorders, tremors, and kidney disorders.
What you can do: Always eat organic food, filter or distill your drinking water, and install a good HEPA air cleaner in your home. Only eat approved fish and others sparingly. Quit smoking and use an infrared sauna at least three times a week to detox regularly. Be aware of arsenic in rice and consume low-arsenic varieties.
Flame retardants are routinely added to furniture, fabrics, plastics, insulation, and many other materials found in our homes. They are comprised of a collection of chemicals and PBDEs that are chemically similar to toxic chemicals that were banned under the Stockholm Convention.
What they do: Flame retardants have been linked to cancer, learning disabilities, lower IQs, hormone disruption, and reduced fertility.
What you can do: Flame retardants are especially harmful to young children, who may ingest flame retardant dust that has settled on carpets and other surfaces in the home. Toddlers have been found to have four or five times the level of these chemicals in their bodies compared to their mothers. To avoid this, make sure children wash their hands regularly, and dust in the home should be cleaned by mopping and vacuuming. When buying new home products, check to make sure they don't have these toxic chemicals added.
VOCs are organic compounds that turn into gases or vapors. These can be found in polluted air and around the home. VOCs are released from cars, burning fireplaces, burning natural gas, dry cleaning, and solvents from paints and glues.
What they do: The harm caused by VOCs can vary, depending on the chemicals involved. Benzene and formaldehyde, for example, are VOCs that are known cancer-causing chemicals. Repeated exposure to VOCs can also cause lung and kidney cancers, as well as neurological disorders.
What you can do: Avoid anything with a sharp "chemical" smell and cigarette smoke. Use low-VOC paints, and eco-friendly glues and furniture wax. Try to purchase and use only natural fiber carpets, clothing, and furnishings. Use only "eco-safe" cleaning supplies.
Dioxin is a highly-toxic carcinogen, made up of a group of chemicals that remain present while traveling up the food chain. Dioxins are associated with waste incineration, coal-fired power plants, pesticides, and cigarette smoking.
What they do: Dioxins have been linked to reproductive and developmental problems, lung cancer, increased risk of diabetes and heart disease, hormone disruption, and liver damage.
What you can do: Be aware of hazardous waste site incinerators in your area and stay away from them. Symptoms of dioxin contact can include burning of the eyes and throat, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle pain, and vomiting. Consult with your doctor if you think you have come in contact with dioxins.
Pesticides are found in many products and are designed to keep weeds, fungi, insects, and rodents away.
What they do: These chemicals can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin, and prolonged, persistent exposure can cause cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
What you can do: Research any bug, weed, or fungi treatment before bringing it into your home or garden. This includes bug repellant, flea and tick sprays, and algaecides for the swimming pool. Always buy organic food and filter your drinking water to avoid ingesting pesticides that contaminate groundwater.
Perfluorooctanoic Acid, or PFOA, has been used in the US to manufacture stain-resistant carpets and fabrics and non-stick pots and pans. PFOA is found in low levels in the entire general US population.
What it does: PFOA remains in the environment for quite some time, as it does not break down easily. It can be found in the dust, air, and soil, and can also be ingested through food and water. PFOA has been linked to thyroid disease, testicular and kidney cancer, preeclampsia, and high cholesterol.
What you can do: Avoid using coated pans, and switch to cast iron or other safer cooking vessels. If you believe your health has been compromised by PFOA, contact your doctor or call the Poison Control Center.
Radon is a radioactive, odorless, colorless gas that comes out of the ground in areas that have high levels of decaying uranium.
What it does: Radon causes 50% of all the lung cancer deaths in the US. Even minimal exposure carries the same risk as smoking a half a pack of cigarettes a day.
What to do: Radon detection kits can be purchased online or in stores for less than $20. Radon detection meters are also available online and start at around $200.
Keeping your home and family safe from hazardous chemicals may seem impossible, but small steps will help you avoid these top 10 major toxic chemicals. To learn more about the significance of toxic chemicals, and a multitude of other factors and habits that impact our bodies wellness, view or download the new Total Wellness ebook.


Paper ahead of its time?
Sometimes my co-authors and I wonder why a particular paper get more cited after a few years of publication. Is is because the paper and the research were are ahead of their time? Or is there simply a lag time between publication and other researchers publishing in the field finding your paper (or stumbling upon it perhaps)?
Take for example the following paper published in 2006 when I was still based in the Department of Public Health at the University of Aberdeen: Promoting physical activity in primary care settings: Health visitors' and practice nurses' views and experiences in the Journal of Advanced Nursing.
Published in 2006 our paper was first cited in Scopus in 2007 (just once),three time in the following year (2008), five times in 2009 and then just a few times per year until this year. In 2015 we have six citations already and the year is not even finished.
We really wonder what lies behind that increased popularity of this 2006 paper.
Douglas, F., van Teijlingen E.R., Torrance, N., Fearn, P., Kerr, A., Meloni, S. (2006) Promoting physical activity in primary care settings: Health visitors' and practice nurses' views and experiences Journal of Advanced Nursing, 55(2): 159-168.


text:
The Docks - 3 Years Ago
Organ Grinders
The Redmond Barrens
Seamstresses Union
Royale Apartments
Seamstresses Union Safe House
The South Seattle Docks
Coyote's Crusade
Spirit Talk
The Digital World
Mercy Mental Hospital
Family Debts
Corporate Extraction
Telestrian Industries
Shadowrun Returns is a tactical role-playing game set in a fantasy cyberpunk world. In this rich environment where magic has returned to a world of technology you'll find all manner of creatures including elves, orks, dwarves and trolls. First choose your race and as you progress with the game the unique open-ended levelling system will allow you to explore whatever paths you choose.
Shadowrun Returns is set in the Seattle Metroplex where you take on the role of a Shadowrunner searching for a notorious killer. The search will take you through many beautiful hand-painted scenes from the vile slums to the powerful corporations ruling the city.
The game is mostly linear with small amounts of exploration available in each area. From time to time you'll have the opportunity to hire other Shadowrunners to help you complete certain missions. The full walkthrough to Shadowrun Returns will be given below.
Shadowrun Returns Walkthrough
The Docks – 3 Years Ago
Coyote's Crusade
Shadowrun Returns was designed by Jordan Weisman, who is the creature of the tabletop role-playing game Shadowrun. He wanted to give this game an "authentic tone", making it true to the original RPG game.
Weisman for released the idea for the game as a Kickstarter campaign. The funding goal of $400,000 was met within just 28 hours. In total Shadowrun Returns received close to $2 million. When Shadowrun Returns was released in July of 2013 it received positive reviews and still has a 'very positive' rating on Steam with 90% of gamers giving it the thumbs up.
An expansion for Shadowrun Returns was released in 2014 called Shadowrun: Dragonfall. It's now available as a standalone release. The next game in the series, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, was released by Hairbrained Schemes in 2015 using an upgraded version of the engine used for Shadowrun Returns.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Managing Director of CAMEX Limited, Terrence Campbell.
A Guyanese company that holds the local franchises for several American fast food chains plans to invest in the agriculture sector for the supply of produce to its latest addition, Pollo Tropical.
Managing Director of CAMEX Limited, Terrence Campbell said 90 percent of the meat, fish, provisions, rice and vegetables are being bought locally for Pollo Tropical's dishes. "It's not only about healthy eating. It's also a case that this business, as it expands, will have an impact on the agricultural side of the economy," he told Demerara Waves Online.
He explained that expansion plans would include stronger links with the local agriculture sector. "We intend to work with and empower a lot of small farmers across the country. This is not only an economic goal for us; it's also a social goal for us," the businessman said.
Pollo Tropical is headquartered in Florida where its food is very popular among the large Cuban population there.
CAMEX Limited plans to invest in 50 to 60 farmers across Guyana during 2017 who will each be able to sell produce worth between GYD$1.5 to GYD$2 million monthly to CAMEX-held fast food franchises. He hopes that government will lend a "stronger hand" to have the Guyana Power and Light sell electricity to agro-processors at break-even prices or provide tax incentives.
"The issue about electricity cost is an easy excuse. I believe that both the government and the private sector have got to come together to identify the areas in which they are going to have a comparative advantage," he added.
With the economy having slowed down, the businessman hopes that agro-processing will provide Guyana with an opportunity to earn foreign exchange ahead of the commencement of commercial oil production in 2020.
Pollo Tropical's first outlet at the Food Court located in the seven-storey building at Camp and Robb Streets, Georgetown.
Campbell said plans are also in the pipeline for the other franchises to offer fries from locally produced provisions, instead of just Irish potato fries. "You will see that happening as we go forward, but initially right now the linkage will come mainly from Pollo," he said.
He said so far, US$1 million have been spent on setting up Pollo Tropical's two outlets in Guyana- the first at the food court at the seven-storey building at the corner of Robb and Camp Streets and the other at Giftland Mall, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown. At least five Pollo Tropical outlets will be opened in Georgetown and each staffed by 20 to 30 persons.
He said 90 percent of the ingredients for Pollo Tropical's menu will be locally produced with the exception of pork that would be imported until a guaranteed supplier with the right specifications can be found.
The CAMEX boss said Pollo Tropical's food would be healthier. "You can eat Pollo everyday. The product is a grilled product. There is no frying, no shortening, no battering and it comes along with rice and beans and vegetables so, in other words, this is a restaurant with international standards that is offering 'mommy's cooking'," Campbell said.


text:
Stonegate Antiques
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VRare Substantial Black Americana SEGREGATION Sign WHITES ONLY
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1940 item #1303175 (stock #BA925)
Measuring 39.75 inches long x 17.50 inches high, this untouched, all-original, single-sided, porcelain, circa 1930-40s sign is an extraordinarily RARE piece of Black American history-- an artifact of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.
The origin of this sign is unknown, but given its very substantial size and weight, it likely once hung as a directional sign in a major bus or railroad station, designating the "WHITES ONLY" area where African-Americans were required to sit or stand.
The subtly convex sign has had no restoration and remains in all-original condition. It bears areas of paint loss, scratching and superficial rusting (some areas larger in scope than others) typical for its age and use as noted in photos. Please view photos for further assessment of the sign's condition. The age and use-related signs of wear do not impact the physical integrity of the sign and are more than appropriate to the age and purpose of the piece.
An utterly phenomenal, extremely RARE, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy piece of Black American history!
Please take a moment to view the other "Jim Crow" Segregationist Era signs that I currently have the pleasure of offering.
ExRARE1847 Slave Freedom Manumission Document Tennessee
Offered is an extremely RARE 1847 Slavery Manumission document from Knox County, Tennessee, executed for Richard Dunn and referencing his slave, Eliza, and her three children, William, Nancy, and Mary Elizabeth. Archived 1842 Tennessee Early Tax List records indicate that Richard Dunn owned 302 acres of land, was employed in agriculture and owned one slave valued at $400 in that year; perhaps this slave was Eliza (pre-children).
Measuring approximately 12.5 long x 7.75 wide, this extraordinary and historical document is handwritten and appears to have been scribed by an individual other than the slave owner, Richard Dunn, as Mr. Dunn's signature is simply a "mark" labeled as such with his first and last name scribed around his "mark". The document is in excellent condition save the fold marks; this document clearly has been stored in this folded state for the past 170 years. It is suitable and ready for archival preservation- appropriate acid-free backing and matting materials with framing.
The text of the document is as follows:
"Know all men by these present that whereas my negro woman named Eliza having a strong desire for freedom and so I Richard Dunn of the county of Knox and the state of Tennessee being in possession of said woman Eliza and three children named William, Nancy and Mary Elizabeth. Now this is to show that I the said Richard Dunn for and in consideration of a certain sum of money to me in hand paid to my full and perfect satisfaction do hereby renounce my own right the right of my heirs or the right or claim of all manner of persons whosoever the said Eliza and her heirs forever to have and enjoy all the rights and privileges of a free white citizen so far as the laws of the state will permit and with regard to the law in such case made and provided it is necessary to have such matters attended to in open court I hereby (if it should not be done in my lifetime) make it obligatory in my heirs executors or administrators (as the case may be) to have the freedom of the above named woman and her children secured to them forever so as to enjoy all the rights and privileges of free white citizens so far as the law of the land will permit."
"In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 7th day of Nov. one thousand eight hundred and forty nine."
Signed, sealed ?GC?.
in presence of us,
Andrew McCall
Elijah Dunn
Martha Dunn
Richard Dunn his mark
Truly an extraordinarily rare piece of historical ephemera documenting a tiny light shining within a very dark period in American history. One can only be hopeful that Eliza and her three children one day achieved the freedom that this document promised.
RARE 19thC Iron HandForged Childs SLAVE RATTLE SHACKLES
Offered are an extraordinary and most rarely-found pair of early 19th century, child/young adolescent - size, Slave Rattle Shackles with one measuring approximately 4.75 inches tall by 7 3/8 inches wide and the other measuring 5.25 inches tall by 7.5 inches wide.
The oddly-shaped, hand-wrought shackles each have two lateral "pockets" that contain pieces of metal or balls that "rattle" as the wearer moves about, thus indicating the wearer's location. This type of shackle is noted in historical references as a Crab Rattler Shackle due to its visual similarity to that sea animal. Each shackle has a pair of small chain links attached at the top. One shackle would have been placed on each leg, and a metal chain would have then been threaded through the attached rings and secured with a lock.
The age of these shackles is formally listed as 19th century, but could very well be older, dating to the last quarter of the 18th century. Condition is quite good given age and use. Please note the small hole present on the side of one shackle as noted in photo. All original and untouched, an utterly horrible, tangible testament to the malevolence of slavery. A VERY RARE form of rattle shackle, even more particularly so due to its small size!
Also currently offered for sale and priced separately is a very diminutive child rattle shackle in an unusual form out of a South Carolina estate. Additionally, de-accessioned from the Middle Passage Museum is an ultra-rare set of 19th Century Slave Ship Shackles from a New Orleans, Louisiana, former slave trader estate! Please type the word "shackles" in the search box on our home page to find all sets of shackles currently being offered.
1940-50 Jim Crow Segregation Signs COLORED MEN WOMEN
Measuring approximately 10 inches long by 2.50 inches high, these untouched, unused, all-original, porcelain-enameled, 1940-50s, metal signs are extraordinarily RARE pieces of Black American history-- artifacts of the "Jim Crow" era when segregation of the African American race was unfortunately, most commonplace.
These signs were found in March of 1971, inside the abandoned and decaying basement of the former Philadelphia Enameling Works factory at the corner of 13th and Vine Streets in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The gentleman from whom these signs were purchased, bought these segregation signs along with hundreds of others signs of all types found in the basement of this former factory (see last photo) and has very kindly written a letter of provenance which has been photographed here and which will be included with these signs upon their sale.
These historic signs are enameled on both sides, and on the front sides are written, "COLORED MEN" and "COLORED WOMEN". The signs feature black lettering on a white background.
The signs are in all-original condition with some very minor discoloration and very unobtrusive edge discoloration pinpoints and some enameling loss here and there as seen in photos.
Extremely RARE, UNUSED, one-of-a-kind, museum-worthy pieces of Black American history that are quite likely the only ones of their kind extant today! Condition is amazing!
Also currently offered for separate sale at $895.00 and originating from this same collection is a pair of signs labeled "COLORED" and "WHITE". (See last photo) Please take a moment to view these signs by simply by typing the word "segregation" into the SEARCH box on our homepage.
RARE19thC Estate Document NAMED SLAVES + THEIR FAMILIES
De-accessioned from the inventory of the ill-fated Middle Passage Museum (see museum history below), this very unusual, 19th century, estate document from Sumter County, Georgia is offered for sale, the purpose of which was to itemize and execute a division of property from the estate of the deceased, southern, plantation owner.
This is a partial document missing its beginning and end pages, therefore, the name of the deceased slave owner and the date of the document is not known. HOWEVER, the document remains EXTRAORDINARILY RARE AND UNUSUAL as it proceeds to, first, categorize the 40 slaves using the word SLAVES instead of Negroes, and secondly, proceeds to list the male slaves BY NAME, ALONG WITH NAMES OF THEIR WIVES AND THEIR CHILDREN, with monetary value listed in the right column of the document!!!! In two instances, the number of years married is also listed! Children are labeled "Girl, "Boy", or "Infant". Total value of these 40 slaves was calculated at $24,200.00
Such documents listing ENTIRE SLAVE FAMILIES BY NAME is simply not found, as slaves were viewed as property, not individuals with rights and privileges who had wives and children, the whole of which, constituted a family. It would indeed be a phenomenal piece of history to be able to identify the plantation and/or deceased slave owner as such an estate listing speaks to an uncommon, albeit, rare and unique perspective of slave ownership. Such a listing makes this particular document all the more heart-wrenching, and it certainly begs the very sad question of whether or not these slave families were allowed to remain united and intact once the final estate disposition was conducted.
The document measures approximately 8 1/2 inches wide x 14 1/8 inches long, is double-sided and is in good condition, with fold lines evident along with some age-related foxing at top and bottom fold lines. 1 3/4 tear along the fold line of the top fold at right edge. The ink color is sepia toned (likely as a result of some fading over time) on a pale blue, vertically-ruled, heavy paper. This phenomenal piece of cultural ephemera is ready for appropriate archival preservation/framing.
The listing of slaves is on the back side of the document with the front side listing farm animals, equipment and supplies along with values- "The following property set apart for the use and benefit of the farm".
The Middle Passage Museum was the dream of Jim and Mary Anne Petty of Mississippi as well as that of an anonymous Georgian benefactor who had together compiled a collection of slave artifacts numbering over 15,000 pieces and who had hoped to find a permanent site in Mobile, Alabama, for their museum. While they formed a non-profit organization to raise funds for their hoped-for museum, their dream was never realized.
In a 2003 statement, Jim Petty remarked, "The importance of the exhibit of these artifacts is to understand the harshness of what slavery and segregation was all about. The items in the exhibit remind us of the terrible heinousness of slavery. Viewing the collection can be very emotional, but it is a tool through which we can understand, honor and respect a great culture. We want to realize that out of slavery, a great culture emerged, and carried on, and continued to strive for a better life regardless of the adverse conditions that were placed upon them."
1865 Estate Document Lewis Mattair Florida 15 SLAVES
Measuring 12.25 inches long x 8 inches in width, this two-sided, 19th century estate document listing all of the worldly goods of LEWIS MATTAIR is de-accessioned from the inventory of the ill-fated Middle Passage Museum (see museum history below). The document is undated but is estimated to be circa 1865-66 based on current research of federal and state archival documents.
This particular estate document is extraordinarily unique and atypical in comparison to other estate documents of this period as it lists 15 SLAVES among the articles of property, and it actually labels these individuals as SLAVES as opposed to the much more common and typical practice of listing "Slaves" as "Negroes". The slaves are listed on the back side of the document with all other inventory listed on the front side.
Each slave is listed by first name with the corresponding current market value written to the left of the name, with the total market value of the 15 slaves named at $8600-- quite a hefty sum when one considers that the remainder of the estate (furniture, livestock, transportation and work vehicles, tools, etc) is valued in total at $980.75. Also listed in the inventory was 13,000 pounds of seed cotton, indicating that Lewis Mattair owned a sizable cotton plantation, clearly farmed by the slaves.
Lewis Mattair is noted in the 1860 Federal Census as a resident of Suwanee County, Florida; the 1860 Federal Census- Slave Schedules references Lewis Mattair owning 28 male and female slaves, ranging in age from 4 to 58. Lewis Mattair is listed in the 1865 Florida Tax records, but his name does not appear in any archived state or federal records after that year. Thus, it is presumed that this document dates from or just prior to 1865, the year that the Civil War ended.
VERY RARE C1904 Deans Rag Book TEN LITTLE NIGGERS
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1910 item #1198235 (stock #B285)
Presented as an historical and cultural artifact, this extraordinarily RARE, very scarcely found, cloth book entitled Ten Little Niggers with Music was published in London, circa 1904, by Dean's Rag Book Co. Ltd. This registered issue is the very early No. 82 and was patented in Great Britain, Germany and the United States. The book measures 8.50 inches long x 6.75 inches wide.
The book tells the infamous story of ten little African-American boys who are gradually eliminated in number via one circumstance after another--most utterly horrid-- choking to death, chopping himself in half, being crushed by a bear, being swallowed by a red herring, etc, ending with the last boy sadly living all alone, a circumstance he happily remedies by getting married.
Originally published in 1868 under the Title of "The Ten Little Indians," this poem was used during minstrel shows, which oftentimes were traveling acts, performed by white actors in blackface following the Civil War. The following year, the poem was adapted to this overtly horrid, racist rendition, replacing the word Indians with "Nigger" in both minstrel shows, printed sheet music, and children's nursery rhyme books. This version married the stereotypes of violence and ignorance within the African-American population with the intent of "villain-izing" freed, black males while simultaneously allowing violent acts to befall the black characters portrayed in the rhyme.
This 113 year old book remains in all-original, very good condition with no alterations or repairs. Original binding and stitching remain quite tight and intact. Illustrated by R. J. (James) Williams, the interior illustrations remain very brightly colored. Pages present varying degrees of very light soiling, light foxing, and yellowing of linen, commensurate with age. Some pages also show subtle water staining that has not impacted cloth integrity. No tears or rips to fabric.
This book is in truly remarkable condition for its age and in consideration of its all-cloth construction. This title is very RARELY found in today's market and is an absolute cornerstone piece in any serious Black Memorabilia collection!
To view other versions of this book presently available for separate purchase, please type the words "ten little" into the SEARCH box on our home page.
RARE 1921 GOLD DUST TWINS Washing Powder Trolley Sign
Protected in a 15.25 x 24.75 inch, black hard plastic frame with glass and coordinating mat, this authentic GOLD DUST Trolley Sign was manufactured by the N.K. Fairbanks Company in 1920's!
GOLD DUST Trolley Signs are a very rare find in today's market as they were made of cardboard, a material much less likely to withstand the test of time as opposed to tin advertising signs which were much sturdier!
This Gold Dust trolley sign features the Gold Dust Twins dressed in ruffled, red skirts emblazoned with the words "GOLD DUST", busily scrubbing the front porch and the kitchen in a vigorous attempt at "Spring Cleaning". The colors featured in this trolley sign are just stunning—greens, pale peachy-colored orange, pale blue, and yellows with white apple blossoms and red tulips flowering in profusion!! To the left of the Gold Dust Twin scrubbing the front porch, sits a large box of Gold Dust Washing Powder. The advertisement proclaims in black-outlined, peachy-orange lettering: "For Spring House Cleaning".
The condition of this trolley sign is truly quite fine. Colors are very strong and consistent throughout; please ignore the various glass reflections seen in some of the photos- they were unavoidable and do appear to make the colors appear a bit faded—which is inaccurate! The sign is free of rips or tears although it does have two, early, fold-creases – one running from top to bottom of the sign along the left side of the pail and between the "O" and "L" in "GOLD" and the other vertical crease on the very right edge of the sign, running through the stove in the kitchen to the "T" in "DUST". The creases are very unobtrusive and do not detract from the wonderful, colorful imagery this sign conveys.
An unusual opportunity to acquire a very RARE piece of Black Americana!!
2 C1920 RARE New Orleans Vargas Wax Figures Praline + Alligator Seller
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1930 item #1413572 (stock #BA944BA945)
Each measuring approximately 7 inches high, these highly sought after Black Vargas wax figures which are mounted on their original wooden platforms, are two of a series of fascinating "street character wax dolls" conceived of and crafted by Mrs. Conception Vargas Alfonso, daughter of the world-renowned, turn-of-the-century-New Orleans, Spanish sculptor, Francisco Vargas.
From approximately 1915 through the 1930's, Mrs. Vargas-Alphonso, influenced by the artistry of her father who also sculpted in wax, crafted a variety of wax dolls inspired by the black folk she saw on New Orleans's street corners while growing up. Sold exclusively at the time through Harriet's, of 318 Rue Royale in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the completely hand-made, one-of-a-kind dolls are seldom found on today's market due to their inherently fragile nature, making them highly sought after in the Black Memorabilia Collectible arena.
The female figure is known as the Praline Seller as her business was to sell freshly made Pralines, a candy confection composed of Louisiana cane sugar and pecans. Her straw, woven basket contains four Praline cookies or flatbreads.
The male figure is known as the grapevine and/or alligator seller. The grapevines are tied in a large bundle on his back which he also supports using the rope in his right hand, while leading a young alligator along in his left.
Vargas wax figures are distinctly characterized by their interesting but highly exaggerated facial features.
The Praline Seller wears a vividly colorful array of different pattern fabrics which work to comprise her eye-catching costume. Atop her head, she wears a large, green and red polka dot bandanna that allows a bit of her wildly-curly, dark hair to peek through, with a solid yellow bandanna tied around her neck. Her her red, cream and blue patterned blouse and skirt are partially protected by a rather sedate, cream-colored apron. All of her clothing is constructed of actual cloth fabric that was coated with a fine layer of clear wax to stiffen it. She carries her basket of pralines on her right arm, while holding a piece of paper in her right hand. A written price list, perhaps? In her left hand she carries a reed duster to keep the flies off of her confections!
The Grapevine/Alligator also wears fabric clothing coated in wax. His pink, white and blue patterned bandanna is tied around his neck and worn over a red, blue and yellow plaid shirt and blue denim pants. He is missing his hat-- perhaps, the alligator ate it?! He holds onto the gator's rope in his left hand while trying to balance the huge mound of grapevine on his back via a rope end clutched in his right hand.
The figures' wax bodies are internally supported by wire frames through which the figures are securely attached to the wooden base. The bottom of each base retains its original stamp which reads, "Genuine VARGAS New Orleans, LA".
These wonderful figures are in near mint condition for their 75+ years of age. The Praline Seller perhaps has lost a couple of her pralines from her basket over the years, an insignificant detail, or perhaps her basket was never meant to be filled to indicate that she had already successfully made some sales! The Grapevine/Alligator is missing his hat as noted earlier, as well as two of his fingers on his left hand, a common injury as they are so very, very thin and inherently fragile. The young Alligator is missing the tip of his tail and the tip of the top of his mouth, again, two very thin pieces of wax which were vulnerable to easily breaking off.
Please note that the Vargas figures are priced $795.00 EACH.
C1930 Black Americana Segregation COLORED HOTEL Sign
Measuring 9-7/8 tall x 13-1/2 inches wide, this extraordinarily rare, Jim Crow era, segregation sign advertises a "colored-only" hotel, Coleman's of Ashland, Virginia.
Constructed of cardboard with black printing, this circa 1930-40's sign reads: " Coleman's Hotel Colored. Special Attention to Tourists. Ashland Virginia".
The sign remains in all-original condition inclusive of minor discoloration as noted in photos and small chips to the upper right and lower left corners. Print source is noted: "Herald-Progress Print, Ashland, VA".
This is NOT a reproduction, but rather a fortunate preservation. It is quite amazing that this sign has survived the many years being constructed out of cardboard. It was clearly stored away in such a manner that preserved its original condition.
Travel for African Americans during the Jim Crow period was difficult and complicated, with limited options for eating, sleeping, even procuring gasoline for the car. As a result, black-owned hotels and motels placed signs such as this one prominently in their windows. There were even special travel-guides to help African Americans plan their trips, hopefully, without incident. Victor Green's "Green Guide" provided state by state lists of colored hotels, motels and other travel-related businesses that catered to African-Americans.
Quite possibly the ONLY sign remaining extant from this particular, racially segregated establishment. An historically significant piece!
Wonderful 1901 Patent Albert Bruckner Black/White Topsy Turvy Doll
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1920 item #428076 (stock #BA525)
Having conceived of the revolutionary idea of a lithographed, molded-mask doll face in 1901, New Yorker, Albert Bruckner applied for and was awarded the patent for his idea that same year. All Bruckner dolls were then stamped, "PAT'D JULY 8th 1901" on the lower right neck edge.
From 1901-1924, Bruckner produced this original, 12" Topsy Turvy doll for Horsman's Babyland Rag Doll line that features Caucasian, "Betty", on one end and African American, "Topsy", on the other. The inspiration for this doll is based on the character of Topsy in Harriet Beecher Stowe's classic 1852 novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin".
The Bruckner Topsy Turvy doll was advertised in a 1907 Babyland Rag Doll catalog as follows:
"TOPSY-TURVY---What is this?
Looks like just a pretty miss.
But turn her over and you'll find,
She is quite another kind.
First she's White and then she's Black,
Turn her over and turn her back.
Topsy that side--Betty this--
Yet complete, each little Miss."
The detail on this hard to find classic doll is lovely. Both heads indeed have the pressed, molded mask faces with lithographed features. Topsy's face is in mint condition! Betty's face is very fine with superficial rubs to the flesh-toned coating of her mask; her lithographed facial features, however, remain beautiful. (Such rubs are not unexpected as these particular doll masks are, unfortunately, prone to rubbing.)
Grinning Topsy has red bows tied to her black mohair braided pigtails which are tucked into her red headscarf. Her red blouse, which matches her head scarf, is trimmed with cream banding around the sleeve and neck edges. The cream scarf she wears around her shoulders tucks into her very full, red/cream checked, gingham skirt. Flip her over, and....
Betty's more subtle Anglo face and her hair are lithographed. She wears the same red/cream checked gingham fabric of which both her dress and ruffled bonnet are constructed. Over her very full gingham dress, Betty also wears a sheer, ruffled pinafore.
Both dolls have the typical "mitten" hands of the stuffed rag dolls of this era. There are no other difficulties to report other than the rubs to Betty's face and some tiny, stray (original) glue spots here and there. No rips, tears, soiling, or odors, and she has been stored in a smoke-free home. The photos show it all- these two girls are a charming pair! A very difficult to find doll in near excellent condition!
RARE 1880s Brass Black Americana SLAVE FACE Bowl
All Items : Popular Collectibles : Memorabilia : Black Americana : Pre 1900 item #611218 (stock #BA643B)
A simply fabulous and extremely rare, circa 1870-1880's, solid brass, Black Americana SLAVE FACE BOWL!! A striking image!!
Prominent facial features- eyes and brows, nose, cheekbones, lips and teeth -and tight curly hair rise from the surface of the bowl. The bowl is rather heavy for its diminutive size and has no markings. Measures 4 inches in diameter and 1.5 inches high. Condition is excellent with some tarnishing that may be cleaned if desired; our preference was to offer this 140+ year old piece in as found condition.
An outstanding and highly collectible offering to add to one's advanced Black Memorabilia collection!
Fab RARE C1930 Japan Polka Dot Mammy Head String Holder
Measuring 6 1/4 inches high x 5 3/4 inches wide, this circa 1930's, VERY RARE, Japan made, Polka Dot Kerchief, Mammy Head String Holder is in near mint condition with no chips, cracks, or hairlines! Mammy is the mate to the Maruhon Ware Mammy series--Cookie Jar, Basket Handle Biscuit Jar, Teapot and related kitchen items-- all made with this same Mammy's face.
The String Holder is stamped "JAPAN" on the back side, and it has a hole in the center of her mouth to accommodate the string! This wonderful piece has expected and typical glaze crazing and even comes complete with vintage string! On the upper right hand side of her forehead, these is a small white spot about 1/4 of an inch long where the face paint was not applied prior to factory glazing (see photo)- a tiny, insignificant manufacturer imperfection that does not detract from this rare piece! The entire piece is glazed with the exception of Mammy's lips which are cold-painted (meaning that the paint was applied after firing). As such, this area of paint would be the most vulnerable to wear, and Mammy does have 2 microscopically-sized specks on her upper lip where the paint has come off. Too tiny to be picked up in a photo!
Please note that photos were taken with a flash, so any white markings on the piece are flash reflections only and not imperfections.
Vintage National Silver 1940s Black Chef Cookie Jar
Measuring approximately 11 inches tall, this wonderful, vintage 1940s, Black Americana Chef cookie jar, remains in all original condition-- no repairs or repaint-- and it is NOT a reproduction!
This wonderful piece is unmarked but is documented in numerous guides as the Black Chef cookie jar made in the 1940's by the National Silver Company. It likely once had a "NASCO" foil label on its base which dried up and fell off over the course of the jar's lifetime.
Fabulous cobalt blue accenting makes this cookie jar quite striking in its appearance. A great display piece!
As stated, the cookie jar remains in all original condition-- a rarity for a cookie jar of this vintage! Please take the time to view all photos as they represent condition quite nicely. Glaze crazing typical to the age of this 60+ year old piece is evident as well as small surface flakes present here and there along lid cover edge- a very common site for flakes/chips on any lidded ceramic piece given that the lid was continually taken on and off during use and thus easily subject to damage. A single superficial hairline occurring during firing can be seen on the interior base; it does not go through to the exterior.
It is quite rare to find a vintage cookie jar in such fine overall condition! Reproductions abound on today's market, but authentic pieces such as this are quite scarce and are truly collecting treasures when discovered!
Fab C1910 BLack African CONGO Native Brass Ashtray
Measuring 6.25 inches long x 5 inches wide, this well detailed, circa 1910, brass ashtray depicts a smiling black male native reclining on a stylized seashell.
In fabulous condition with 90+ years of all original surface patina, this phenomenal piece is very highly detailed and displays wonderfully! It authentically depicts the highly fashionable Art Nouveau styling which was so wildly popular at the turn of the 20th century. This brass ashtray promotes the English settlement of the CONGO on the African continent, and thus, the words "CONGO" are impressed across the native's chest. The earliest version of this ashtray was crafted in BRONZE did not feature the Congo label across the native's chest.
A must-have piece for the sophisticated Black Americana collector!
1930 Mammy Lithographed Tin Wind Up Sweeper Toy w/BOX
Measuring nearly 8 inches tall, this fabulous and rarely found, early, lithographed, tin toy, No. 1750, retaining its original box, was made by the Lindstrom Tool & Toy Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
This late 1930's toy is the later version of the two Mammy walker toys produced by this company. It is marked on back just under the white apron tie, "Lindstrom Corporation Made in USA". The marking is very faint, and thus, difficult to read without scrutiny. The contrast in this photo has been enhanced so that the manufacturer labeling is easier to visualize online.
Mammy shuffles along quite vigorously via her original wind-up mechanism while she holds her broom and quickly "sweeps" back and forth.
Over 70 years old, Mammy is still quite sturdy as she was well made, but she does show some minor scratching and paint loss from play over the years as the photos indicate. Her coloring remains brilliant!
The box remains in very good condition with minimal wear to seams considering its age. Coloring is strong. One flap at the top of the box is detached but present.
Sweeping Mammy is a must-have addition to any Black Memorabilia Toy collection!
EX RARE 19thC Canaan CT Black Twins White-Wash Lime Box
An extraordinarily RARE 19th CENTURY piece of Black Americana advertising featuring a fabulous graphic of 2 young African American painters holding a "White-Wash Boy's Hydrated Lime" box.
This product was produced by the lime manufacturers, Hatmaker and Place, of Canaan, Connecticut, in the late 1800s. This small company was located within a large "lime belt" that stretched from Connecticut to Vermont. Back in the day, lime powder mixed with water was quite commonly used to "white wash" or paint numerous surfaces, and it was also used as a medicinal disinfectant! The manufacture of lime from marble was one of the earliest and most successful mineral industries in Connecticut, with historical records dating the establishment of the first CT lime manufactory to 1722.
Given its age and the fragility of paper, condition of this wonderful box is quite good. The lower portion of the back side of the box evidences light surface wear with some of the printing on the lower portion of the box worn away as a result. The front of the box has a 3.25 inch long tear which resulted in the loss of the lime powder from the box.
This early piece of Black Americana advertising is EXCEEDINGLY RARE and may well be a ONE-OF-A-Kind item! The Hatmaker and Place Company was one of a number of very small manufactories located within the "lime belt" that were ALL bought out and immediately closed down by a wealthy group of investors who then created and incorporated the mammoth monopoly, The New England Lime Company, early in 1902.
This fabulous piece of Black Americana is NOT to be missed by the serious collector!
19C Folk Art Needlework Cross Stitch Sampler 2 Black Girls on SeeSaw
An exceptional example of 19th century Folk Art-- a very rare needlework cross stitch sampler with Black Americana theme! This highly unusual example dates to circa 1880's and depicts two young girls on a primitive, "make-do" seesaw--- a wooden board placed over a log-- complete with a grapevine trellis in the background! This wonderful piece is accented with a multi-toned, Greek Key border design with fringe edging.
The needlework measures approximately 15 by 14 inches and is in good condition overall, given its 120+ years of age! The central design is superb with no problems, but the two upper corners show evidence of some unraveling, particularly the upper right, which has a small hole. This little hole could be repaired, or if the piece was framed, it could be visually eliminated; however, it truly does little to detract from the central focal point of the children on the seesaw, when viewed in its entirety. The piece does show subtle evidence of typical, age-related discoloration.
An utterly wonderful and scarce example of 19th century Black Americana themed Needlework!


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