Squirrel Cage

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Object Details

Artist

Unidentified

Luce Center Label

A squirrel cage is any cage with a cylindrical framework that allows small animals to run inside it. This piece, with its elaborate turret, flag, and windows, was likely used for entertainment. The owner probably trained small animals to perform tricks, then charged people a small fee to watch the show.

Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson

Date

ca. 1875

Object number

1986.65.327A-C

Restrictions & Rights

CC0

Type

Sculpture

Folk Art

Medium

metal, wood, and glass

Dimensions

overall: 34 x 32 1/4 x 12 1/8 in. (86.3 x 81.9 x 30.8 cm.) A (cage and base): 21 3/4 x 32 1/4 x 12 1/8 in. (55.0 x 81.9 x 30.8 cm.) B (cone shaped piece): 5 1/2 in. (14.0 cm.); 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm.) diam. C (flag): 17 1/2 x 3 1/8 x 3/4 in. (44.5 x 8.0 x 1.8 cm.)

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Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department

Painting and Sculpture

Data Source

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Topic

Object\art object\sculpture

Object\other\container

Metadata Usage

CC0

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk7ea42e110-838c-483b-be9e-d1519c926ce5

Record ID

saam_1986.65.327A-C