Antelope Hide Rug

A hide rug that is striped beige and brown. It is sitting on a larger patterned rug.
Rug in the Eldon House Library

Country of Origin: Likely Kenya
Year: ca. 1900
Materials: Hide and thread 

This rug was likely collected by Ronald Harris during his trips to African at the turn of the century. It is comprised of the skin of four antelopes that have been sewn together. It is unclear what antelope these are made from, but the hides have long hair, perhaps from a klipspringer which is found in east and south Africa.

We acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Attawandaron. We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home.

We acknowledge all the treaties that are specific to this area: the Two Row Wampum Belt Treaty of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy/Silver Covenant Chain; the Beaver Hunting Grounds of the Haudenosaunee NANFAN Treaty of 1701; the McKee Treaty of 1790, the London Township Treaty of 1796, the Huron Tract Treaty of 1827, with the Anishinaabeg, and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum of the Anishnaabek and Haudenosaunee.

The three Indigenous Nations that are neighbours to London are the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation; Oneida Nation of the Thames; and the Munsee-Delaware Nation who all continue to live as sovereign Nations with individual and unique languages, cultures, and customs.