Historic Americana
Rare c. 1770-1800 Pair of Sign Language Fabric Prints Titled “How to Teach the Deaf and Dumb A Language”
Set of Two Important and Historic Early Prints upon White Cloth Fabric entitled, “How to Teach the Deaf and Dumb A Language,” Choice Very Fine+.
This rare Mated Set of Early Colonial Period Prints upon Cloth Fabric, archivally laid down upon larger white cloth backing, both are titled, “How to Teach the Deaf and Dumb a Language” are in excellent condition and likely made from 1770-1800. The first bears the Sign Language Alphabet in the center of the print, surrounded by various animals to be used in the teaching of words. It states: “By means of this Alphabet, any person may teach a Child, born deaf and dumb, a language. The eyes, of the child will inform Him, the difference there is between each letter, and when He sees, ou make or place the letters HORSE, COW, &c, He will understand, clearly, the thing designated by them.”

The Second Fabric Print utilizes the words “Bread” and “Water” as the crux of the teaching. It reads: “By means of this Alphabet a person may soon be able to teach a Child born deaf and dumb a laungage, The eyes of the Child will inform her the difference there is between each letter and when she sees you make or place the Letters BREAD, by showing the Child Bread she will understand clearly the thing designated by them. Bread, an water, being the staffs of life these two are selected for illustration and by forming the letter. WATER. and showing the same, he will understand you, And thirst is worse to suffer than even hunger so that necessity will urge on Instruction.”

Both Fabric Prints are in excellent condition with some trivial edge fraying and minor spots. Both are impressive for display. (2 items)