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Freedom of the City of Cape Town Scroll
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Freedom of the City of Cape Town Scroll
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Freedom of the City of Cape Town Scroll

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.021090.a-c
Object Type Scroll
Gifter
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Intended Recipient (American, 1964)
Medium paper, wood (protea), ink, paint, textile (raffia), shell
DimensionsOverall - 3D (Scroll) H 2 1/2 in x W 29 1/4 in x D 30 3/4 in (6.4 cm x 74.3 cm x 78.1 cm )
 Overall - 2D (Raffia Cloth) L 21 1/2 in x W 30 in (76.2 cm x 54.6 cm )
 Overall - 2D (Beaded Belt) L 29 1/2 in x W 2 3/8 in (6 cm x 74.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionDouble rolled scroll signed by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama that is the ceremonial key to the city of Cape Town, South Africa. The scroll is mounted on hand carved wood batons with ends shaped like protea plants. It is on hand illumiated parchment, wrapped in tan and black raffia cloth with a diamond-shaped pattern and a hand beaded belt. The belt is decoarated with primarily white beads with black beads making diamond shaped decorations. The scroll is signed at the bottom with a sticker of a seal between them. Painted decorations on each side and along the top. The US flag is in the upper left and the flag of South Africa is in the upper right.

Historical NoteReceived during an official state visit to South Africa in June 2013.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Executive 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 SeriesGifts of State (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 Obama Presidential Library. The 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.
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