Turkey Dome

An image of a silver turkey dome. It has a handle on the top.
Ryerse Turkey Dome from the Eldon House collection

Country of Origin: Canada
Year: ca. 1850
Materials: Silver 

This is a turkey dome, also known as a cloche. It was used to help keep food warm and safe from pests, but also for dramatic effect! This silver one is meant for a turkey of other large dishes. On the side there is the Ryerse crest. Amelia Ryerse married John Harris in 1815. Upon her marriage she inherited a large number of items from her family, many of which have her family crest. The crest is a Rousant Swan, a popular heraldic bird.

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.