Black Madonna Portable Shrine, Probably WWI American Soldier, Circa 1917 - Wonderful Condition
A trench art sculpture featuring a Black Madonna figurine with outstretched arms in the hollow interior of a hand made metal casing. A rectangle has been cut into the side of the casing with a scalloped edge on top. Inside, a Madonna figure stands in a long gold dress and headdress. The top of the casing has a Christian cross upraised on the metal.
This wording comes directly from the National Museum of African American History & Culture where an almost identical copy of this important soldier's shrine exists.
I suspect that this shrine was carried by one of the many thousands of African American soldiers who fought in France during WWI. Possibly from either the 92nd or 93rd Divisions.
A rare and important item and, as such, will ship by carrier as standard. To the USA it will ship DDP (Direct Duty Paid) so nothing to pay on arrival.
