Description:

Nigerian Hand Carved Wood Plaque in Memory of President Kennedy and the First Family

After Kennedy's assassination, an outpouring of condolences on an international scale were presented to the family. These included condolence books, poems, essays, musical scores, scrapbooks, artwork, resolutions, speeches, eulogies, sermons, audio recordings, photographs, and other materials, all created after President Kennedy's death. The collection also includes programs, news clippings, and other printed materials related to memorial services and dedications in honor of John F. Kennedy.

This spectacular piece is one such example, and depicts a hand carved representation of the First family, with JFK holding the hand of Caroline while guiding his family. The verso of this amazing plaque has the original provenance with two sheets. One stating "In Memoriam/To the Family of the late President/John F. Kennedy/Requiescat in Pace". With the second sheet stating "Presented/by the/Kennedy Youth Club/of Nigeria".

Although today little is known of the Nigerian Youth club other than a possible connection to a current Nigerian Youth Exchange club (which launched much later),- however deep within the records of the JFK Library, housed there within boxes and boxes of tributes, is yet another letter from this very same Youth Club based in Nigeria, dated "November 21, 1964". This letter is found on file within the JFK library housed in box 049. These special donors, from all around the world sent the condolences originally to the Kennedy family, who later forwarded them to the Kennedy Library.

An emotional piece, signed by the artist "F.O. Idehen", measuring 12" x 7.5" and is 1.5" thick. The piece is quite heavy indicating that this plaque was crafted from a very hard wood. Likely created circa 1964 in the same year as their condolence letter sent to the Kennedy family. There is significance to the material used for the crafting of this piece. The general belief of African wooden sculptures is that there is a connection of various forms of African art and the spirit. This means that many wooden sculptures produced are fashioned after some spiritual beliefs of a people. Spirits are believed to be involved in the natural environment of the deity, and serve as the essence to prompt all artistic expressions. Excellent near fine condition.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 10, 2020 10:30 AM EDT
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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