Full Breakdown
Reclaiming David Drake: Descendants Seek Restitution of Enslaved Potter’s Work
9/1/2026, 9:53:38 PM
Recent Restitution and Ongoing Recovery
In a landmark action, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston returned six stoneware jars created by David Drake—an enslaved potter in early-19th-century South Carolina—to his descendants. The family says this is the first instance in United States history of a museum returning artwork made by an enslaved artist to that artist’s heirs. The returned pieces are part of a broader effort by Pauline and Yaba Baker, third- and fourth-generation descendants, to locate and reclaim the remainder of Drake’s surviving work held in museum collections.
Historical Context – Drake’s Life and Artistry
David Drake, born around 1801, was enslaved by the Drake brothers—Harvey, who oversaw the ceramics operation, and Abner, who owned a newspaper called *The Hive*. Exposure to the newspaper’s printing press is believed to have enabled Drake to learn to read and write, a rare skill among enslaved people prohibited by anti-literacy laws. He became a master potter, producing utilitarian stoneware jars that he signed and inscribed with poetry, thereby turning everyday objects into works of art.
Family Perspective – Legacy, Ownership, and Value
The Bakers describe the reclaimed jars as “legacy,” emphasizing that ownership extends beyond museum display to familial inheritance. They note that one of Drake’s pots has sold for more than $1.5 million, underscoring the financial as well as cultural value of the pieces. Yaba Baker has indicated that the family aims to have all of Drake’s known pottery returned by 2027, and they are currently in contact with each museum that holds his work.
Broader Implications – Art Ownership and Restitution Policy
The case raises questions about museum policies for ethical restitution of artworks created by enslaved individuals. The family points out that many institutions already have restitution guidelines, yet the Drake example highlights the tension between treating such objects as public cultural assets and recognizing the descendants’ claim to ownership.
What’s Next – Ongoing Negotiations and Timeline
The Bakers continue to negotiate with museums holding Drake’s pieces, seeking agreements that would transfer the remaining jars to the family. Their stated target is to complete the restitution process by 2027, a timeline driven by concerns that the family’s elder members may not live to see full recovery.
