Collection Highlights
The Puritan
1899
1946.253
Dark brown/ black patinated bronze
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Museum Collections
The Folk Art Collection of Elie Nadelman
Cockroach trap
Object name
Cockroach trap
Date
ca. 1840
Medium
Earthenware
Dimensions
Overall: 2 1/4 x 5 in. ( 5.7 x 12.7 cm )
Description
Dark redware beehive-shaped trap with small hole on side near foot and top shaped like an inverted cone with a hole at the center; sides unglazed and reeded; top smooth and glazed.
Credit Line
Purchased from Elie Nadelman, 1937
Object Number
INV.12643
Gallery Label
The hole near the bottom edge of this hollow trap was corked, then a mixture of molasses and water (the bait) was poured into the hole on top. Insects attracted by the scent would climb the unglazed, ribbed outside wall up to the funnel-shaped well, which was glazed and therefore slippery; thus they would slide down into the hole and end up trapped inside.
Provenance
The Folk Art Collection of Elie Nadelman
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.
