Skip to main content
The Common Chiffchaff
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
The Common Chiffchaff
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

The Common Chiffchaff

Artifact SeriesHead of State Gifts
Artifact IDFO.105467
Object Type Clock, Musical
Gifter
Manufacturer (Founded 1865)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium metal (gold, brass), wood
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 9 1/4 in x W 3 3/4 in x D 3 3/4 in (23.5 cm x 9.5 cm x 9.5 cm )

Physical DescriptionMechanical bird, gold-plated, of a Common Chiffchaff, or Phylloscopus collybita, that tweets, turns, and flaps its wings once per hour when wound, and sits on a stem on top of a box containing the mechanical parts. The back panel of the box lifts to access the winding pieces and has information about the Islamic Golden Age etched into it, explaining that the bird was created to honor the scholar and polymath Al-Jazari (1186-1206).
Historical NoteReceived on the occasion of the US-Gulf Cooperation Council meeting on May 14, 2015 at Camp David.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a foreign official to President Barack 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 66540607)
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