Descendants of enslaved potter David Drake work to reclaim ancestor's art
Descendants of David Drake have traced their lineage back to the once-enslaved potter and launched an effort to reclaim their ancestor's work. They say the effort has not only reconnected them with their family's legacy but also raised broader questions about art ownership and restitution. Geoff Bennett spoke with Pauline Baker and Yaba Baker for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
Descendants of David Drake, an enslaved potter from early 19th century South Carolina, are working to reclaim their ancestor's art. They have recovered six highly valued glazed stoneware pieces and are collaborating with museums to recover more. This effort has not only connected them with their family's legacy but also sparked discussions about art ownership and restitution.
Pauline Baker and her son Yaba Baker, third and fourth great-grandchildren of David Drake, spoke about their journey with the News Hour. David Drake, also known as Dave the Potter, was born around 1801, enslaved by Abner and Harvey Drake. Despite anti-literacy laws, David learned to read and write, inscribing his name and poetry on his pottery.
In 2021, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston returned stoneware to the Baker family, marking the first time the U.S. returned artwork made by an enslaved person to their descendants. The moment was emotionally significant, as the poems written by David reflected his connection to his family and hope for goodwill. The family aims to recover the rest of David's work by 2027, recognizing the cultural value and financial worth of his art, which has sold for over $1.5 million.
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