Minute Man National Historical Park welcomed a temporary art exhibit of Bottle Trees by Black Coral, Inc. this fall. The Bottle Tree tradition originated in West Africa and was brought to the United States by enslaved people. The tradition was passed down through generations, marking the survival of a cultural practice despite the bonds of slavery. The distinctive blue bottles were placed on trees to capture the energy, spirit, and memory of ancestors.
This Bottle Tree is placed near the Wayside House to honor the humanity and contributions of those enslaved here during the 18th century. In 1847, a self-emancipated freedom seeker also stopped here to rest during his journey along the Underground Railroad. Bronson Alcott, resident of the home, wrote that the man had “many elements of a hero.”
Bottle Trees were also placed in the Buttrick Gardens and across the street from the North Bridge at the Robbins House. To learn more about Bottle Trees and Black Coral, Inc., please visit their website.
Images above: a blue Bottle Tree is located in the parking lot across the street from the Wayside, Home of Authors. Inset photo of the Wayside.
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