This exotically carved folk art gourd was possibly made to commemorate the US Declaration of Independence in 1776.
The 11½in (29cm) long piece is inscribed in Latin VI JUSTITIA INDEP. LIBERA QUE AMER and depicts a native American crushing the British imperial lion under one foot. The figure also holds an upturned cornucopia in one hand and a flag and a tethered horse breaking a flaming torch or staff under its hoof in the other. Above the figure is a flower head motif, possibly depicting the 11 stars of a confederate flag.