During a recent episode of Antiques Roadshow, expert Ronnie Archer-Morgan encountered what he described as “the most disturbing” item he’s ever had to appraise. The item, an ivory disc used in the 18th century as an endorsement for a slave trader, was brought in by a woman who had bought it for £3, unaware of its chilling history. The disc was from the West African port of Bonny and bore inscriptions that described the trader as an “honest fellow.” Ronnie, visibly emotional, refused to put a value on the object, stating that he “did not want to put a price on something which signifies such an awful business.”
Ronnie discussed the significance of the disc, noting that while it’s a “document of history,” it also represents the horrors of the slave trade. The guest revealed that she initially thought the disc referred to trading in coffee or spices, but her research led to the realization that it was connected to the trade in human lives. Ronnie described the beauty of the calligraphy on the disc, which sharply contrasted with its grim historical context.
Ronnie shared his own family’s connection to the legacy of slavery, explaining that his great-grandmother was a returned slave from Nova Scotia who came back to Sierra Leone. He expressed that it was a “cultural duty” to talk about such items, despite the emotional weight they carry. However, he remained firm in his decision not to value it, saying that its true worth lies in the lessons it can teach.
The emotional encounter left a deep impact on both the expert and the audience. Ronnie concluded by thanking the guest for bringing in the item, saying, “Thank you so much for making me so sad,” highlighting the importance of remembering and discussing these painful parts of history.
