Medallion, c. 1800
Josiah Wedgwood
Staffordshire, England
Stoneware
Chipstone Foundation 2001.43

This tiny medallion challenged centuries of racial division and inequality.
By the end of the eighteenth century, a growing community of British and Americans—both black and white—openly pushed for the abolition of slavery. The powerful image on this medallion quickly evolved into the leitmotif of their cause. Above the kneeling black figure in chains is a poignant plea, “Am I not a Man and a Brother?”