Rare Anglo-Boer War - POW made “Snake in a Boot” – Bermuda 1902

Here on offer is a great example of an Anglo-Boer POW (prisoner of war), carved wooden “Snake in a Boot”, made in one of the POW camps in Bermuda in 1902.

These miniature boots were made by POWs from local cedarwood that now has a beautiful patina to the finish.

The front of the heeled boot has some fine detailing of the leather fastening flaps and stitching.

It is also dot engraved with the details:

BERMUDA
POW 1902

Then at the top of the boot there is a sliding cover, which when gently slid open it activates a carved and coloured “Snake”. It extends out to a point where it can prick your finger with a sharp stinger tongue pin, that is fixed in the snake's mouth.

It is believed that the “Snake in the boot” was designed to symbolize South African guerilla warfare.

During the Anglo-Boer war more than 5,000 South African prisoners of war (men and boys) arrived on HM ships and were transported to exile on various islands in Bermuda from 1901 to 1902.

Bermuda was one of the places selected as a prisoner of war camp for the Boers because of its distance from South Africa.

Five of the Bermuda Islands were used and the internees where split on their attitude to the war and were physically separated on this basis. Those who believed the war should be continued were sent to Darrell's Island and closely guarded. Morgan's Island held 884 men, including 27 officers. There was 809 on Tucker's Island, 607 on Burt's Island 607 and 35 on Port's Island where the hospital facilities were located.

The Boer War Cemetery in Bermuda was built by Boer prisoners. Unfortunately for the local civilian population, HM ships and the British Army garrison, the POWs brought with them an outbreak of enteric fever.

To amuse themselves and to make pocket money, the Boers carved toys and implements, usually out of cedarwood. This was because cedar was the most common wood on the Islands. However, they would also use anything they could get their hands on: pieces of old furniture, bones, coins, anything.

The boot is in excellent condition and just has a tiny section of wood missing on the top, where the slider closes.

These miniature boots are rare to find in such good condition, especially with a working snake.

The boot measures 4.3” (11cm) wide, 1.4” (3.5cm) deep and is 2.9” (7.3cm) high.

It weighs 68g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52045