Skip to main content
Obamatar
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Obamatar
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Obamatar

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.093118
Object Type Guitar
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Date ca. 2012
Medium wood (cedar), metal, adhesive, stain, plastic, bone, ink
DimensionsOverall H 7 1/2 in x W 4 7/8 in x D 36 1/2 in (19.1 cm x 12.4 cm x 92.7 cm )
Physical DescriptionA custom-made three-string cigar box guitar with body made from a Vivreau Water cedar box. Guitar headstock is a carved depiction of the 2008 "Vero Possumus" Obama campaign logo, the metal sound hole cover is made from a repurposed kitchen sink strainer altered to look like the Obama rising sun campaign logo, the bridge is resting on a Kennedy Center Presidential Box chocolate tin, and the tail piece has a carved star. On the reverse there is a metal hinge attached to the bottom. Inside the body of the guitar is a bundt cake pan, corn can, and wires that amplify the sound and connect to an external amplification system.
Historical NoteThe Obamatar was created and gifted to President Barack Obama by a former White House Gift Office employee as a farewell gift when leaving for a new job.
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 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.
In Collection(s)
Related Event(s)
    Not on view
    Related Links