Turtle

Turtle

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Description
Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, kept this carved wooden turtle on his desk as a symbol of the Foundation’s approach to its work. The leader of an African NGO (who Walker chose not to identify) gave Walker the turtle when he became president of the Ford Foundation in 2013. Turtles can live for many years and the gift conveyed a hope for his longevity. Walker explained that “because the Ford Foundation makes long-term investments in institutions, ideas and people, [he] believe[s] the turtle is a metaphor for our approach.”
Object Name
carving
Associated Place
China
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 1 in x 3 3/4 in x 4 1/2 in; 2.54 cm x 9.525 cm x 11.43 cm
ID Number
2018.0104.01
accession number
2018.0104
catalog number
2018.0104.01
Credit Line
Gift of Darren Walker
subject
Philanthropy
See more items in
Work and Industry: Philanthropy
Exhibition
Giving in America
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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