This beautiful example of Neo-Classical silver was presented to Fort Michilimackinac Commandant Arent Schulyer DePeyster by the traders of the post in 1779. With inscriptions in both French and English and bearing an image of a turtle, sacred to Native American peoples, the bowl exemplifies the crossroads of cultures at the Straits of Mackinac. The sterling silver bowl was ordered from the prominent London firm of Smith & Sharp. (1999.34.1)

The bowl is on exhibit at the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitor’s Center.

A publication on the history of the bowl is available in our books and publications section.