Collections / Explore the Collection
Today at the Museum

September 2, 2010

Living Arts of Africa

1 – 2 p.m.

Discover objects for daily use and regalia fit for a king from the diverse continent of Africa. Learn about masquerade and divination, as well as customs for settling disputes and initiating young men and women into the community.

Teapot, from a tea service
Title:Teapot, from a tea service
Artist:Paul Revere II
Date:1792
Medium:Silver and wood
Dimensions:6 1/8 x 3 9/16 x 5 3/4 in. (15.56 x 9.05 x 14.61 cm)
Creation Place:North America, United States, Massachusetts, Boston
Credit Line:Gift of James F. and Louise H. Bell
Accession Number:60.22.1
Location:G333
The most complete Revere service known, this set was made for a Boston merchant and his wife, John and Mehitable Templeman. It includes one of only two tea caddies made by Revere. These locked boxes held loose tea, an expensive and fashionable commodity. The shell-shaped spoon was used for measuring tea and the sieve was used for straining punch, a beverage often served along with tea. The second stand may have been used as a tray for spoons no longer in use. The accompanying teaspoons have only recently been reunited with this service.