The Chase of Freedom Silver Chess Pieces
Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.728087.s-hh
Object Type
Piece, Chess
Manufacturer
United Urban Partners
Intended Recipient
President Barack Obama
(American, 1961)
Medium
metal (pewter), textile, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D (.s: King) H 5 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 1 5/8 in (12.7 cm x 4.8 cm x 4.1 cm )
Overall - 3D (t: Queen) H 4 in x Diam 1 5/8 in (10.2 cm x 4.1 cm )
Overall - 3D (u: Bishop Sojourner Truth) H 3 3/4 in x Diam 1 5/8 in (9.5 cm x 4.1 cm )
Overall - 3D (.v: Bishop Phillis Wheatly) H 4 1/8 in x Diam 1 5/8 in (10.5 cm x 4.1 cm )
Overall - 3D (.w-x: Knights) H 4 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 1 1/2 in (10.2 cm x 4.8 cm x 3.8 cm )
Overall - 3D (.y-z: Rooks) H 4 1/2 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 1 1/2 in (11.4 cm x 4.8 cm x 3.8 cm )
Overall - 3D (.aa-hh: Pawns) H 3 1/2 in x W 1 3/8 in x D 1 1/8 in (8.9 cm x 3.5 cm x 2.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionHalf set of silver-toned metal chess pieces with each type in the shape of a different historical figure related to the abolition of slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, and African American success. The largest piece is the king which is in the shape of Marcus Garvey. The queen piece is in the shape of Harriet Tubman. One bishop is in the shape of Sojourner Truth while the other is in the shape of Phillis Wheatley. The two knights are in the shape of 99th Flying Training Squadron of the Tuskegee Airmen. The two rook pieces are in the shape of freedmen with broken chains and their hands lifted. The identical pawns are all in the shape of soldiers from the 369th Infantry Regiment from World War I.Overall - 3D (t: Queen) H 4 in x Diam 1 5/8 in (10.2 cm x 4.1 cm )
Overall - 3D (u: Bishop Sojourner Truth) H 3 3/4 in x Diam 1 5/8 in (9.5 cm x 4.1 cm )
Overall - 3D (.v: Bishop Phillis Wheatly) H 4 1/8 in x Diam 1 5/8 in (10.5 cm x 4.1 cm )
Overall - 3D (.w-x: Knights) H 4 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 1 1/2 in (10.2 cm x 4.8 cm x 3.8 cm )
Overall - 3D (.y-z: Rooks) H 4 1/2 in x W 1 7/8 in x D 1 1/2 in (11.4 cm x 4.8 cm x 3.8 cm )
Overall - 3D (.aa-hh: Pawns) H 3 1/2 in x W 1 3/8 in x D 1 1/8 in (8.9 cm x 3.5 cm x 2.9 cm )
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
Not on view
Related Links