Cane

Description

Cane made from a natural branch or root sprout that has been sanded or scraped smooth, stained red, and varnished.

Notes

When acquired in 1953, the cane bearing the deeply incised initials, "E.K." was thought to have belonged to Emma B. King, lead eldress of the Shaker ministry. In retrospect, King probably would not have given up her cane twelve years before she died. Further, in documents and inscriptions on objects that are known to have belonged to her, Kings initials appear as "E.B.K." More likely, this cane was made and used by Eli Kidder (1783-1867). Kidder was sent to live with the Canterbury, NH, Shakers in 1792, when he was nine years old. He is known to have worked as a cabinetmaker and to have served both as an elder in the Second Family (1821-1848 and 1861-1867) and at the Church Family (1848-1861).[1] Woodworking planes in the collections at Hancock Shaker Village and at the Shaker Museum and Library have the initials, "E.K.," stamped into the end grain of the toe of the planes. The style of the initials on the cane, even though they are cut into the wood rather than stamped, are very similar in style to that on the planes. A sewing desk made in 1861 (#4838) is one of four key pieces attributed to Kidder, two being signed and two attributed because of their style and construction. [1] Grant, Jerry V. and Allen, Douglas R. Shaker Furniture Makers. Hanover: University Press of New England, 1989, pp. 142-145.