Fan

While enslaved on a James Island, South Carolina plantation, Tobias Scott perfected the art of making fashionable, masterfully ornate fans from bird feathers. Scott’s enslaver permitted him to make and sell these fans in his spare time. Scott understood the value of his craft and worked hard to earn enough money to purchase his freedom. He and his family moved to Charleston after the war, where he opened a shop on Water Street. Local newspapers often captured both the sale and advertisement of Scott’s fans.

This fan captures the subtle yet vibrant character of his creations. An open fan comprised of hawk feathers with matching horizontal stripes, a wire runs through the hand-crafted handle made of woven quills, securing the feathers in place. A solid black, delicate grosgrain ribbon is tied to the handle.