Artist unknown, United States, Trenton New Jersey
Suffragette Horn
Circa: Early 20th Century
Tin, with paint decor
Size: in inches (centimeters follows as 33 X 33 cm)
By the early 1890’s in the United States two organizations united for greater
success to form the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA).
The NAWSA accomplished their goals through a wide spread and colorful
campaign. For two decades these women held marches, parades, and held acts of
protests that displayed symbolic meaning to the women.
One item that became a monumental symbol for this movement was the
Suffragette horn. This horn was used by the women during their demonstrations to
amplify their presence by creating noise while they gave speeches or protests. This
symbol was not only an object for the women to use but it was displayed on
posters, buttons and advertisements. The horn was usually displayed in colors that
had meaning to the group; red white and blue to display patriotic pride or white,
gold, and purple which became the colors of the movement.
The item made a pronounced and important impact on the suffrage campaign
for women in the United States. The item communicates the voice of the
protestors, the colors of patriotism, the imagery of a battle charge, and the
grandness of announcement. The inscription into the paint on tin reads as: Victory
Parade 1918, Mia [indistinguishable,] America Settled [indistinguishable]. A
possible mouth reed for amplification is fashioned from tin, and fitted to the horn.
For further reading click here.
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