Can anyone help with this? The main thrust of the question concerns phoenix
buttons.
 
Anita Cohen-Williams; Reference Services; Hayden Library
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ  85287-1006
PHONE: (602) 965-4579              FAX: (602) 965-9169
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*** Forwarding note from ATJSW   --ASUACAD  04/07/94 01:29 ***
To: IACAGC  --ASUACAD
 
From: Jack S. Williams
Subject: Haitian military - 19th century
 
Jack S. Williams; Center for Spanish Colonial Archaeology
1743 S. Standage, Mesa, AZ  85202
PHONE: (602) 820-5492
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*** Forwarding note from ATJSW   --ASUACAD  04/07/94 01:28 ***
To: MILHSTLR--CMSNAMES
 
From: Jack S. Williams
Subject: Haitian military - 19th century
 
I recently had an interesting discussion with another archaeologist about a
certain variety of military button which has been attributed to Henri
Cristophe's Royal Haitian Army (circa 1810-1820). The button in question
occurs in several forms. All have a depiction of a crowned phoenix and the
inscription "Je renais des mes cendres" (I rise from my ashes). At present, I
am attempting to pin down more specifics about this button. According to
Hubert Cole (Christophe - King of Haiti, Viking Press, New York, 1967), the
phoenix motif was employed in Haitian state symbolism as early as 1811. The
symbol was also associated with one of Christophe's two infantry guard units
(it appeared on their regimental colors). The buttons generally have
regimental numbers (suggesting that they were used by other units as well).
Some also have markings indicating they were produced in Britain.
 
Some time after Cristophe's death in 1820, the buttons apparently entered the
international arms and equipment bazaar. They show up over a fair portion of
the northern edge of the Spanish empire (Florida, New Mexico, Sonora, Arizona,
California), in the Pacific Northwest (where Indians apparently used them as
jewelry), and even in Hawaii. As one of the first symbolic items associated
with an independent African state in the New World, I wonder what meaning was
assigned to them (if any) by the people who eventually used the buttons?
 
I am looking for information about any collections of Cristophe millitaria in
European or other nations. Around 1810, Cristophe apparently authored a
regulation for his troops which includes data on arms and equipment. Has
anyone out there seen such items? Does Haiti have a national archive that
might have these kinds of items in their collections? Has anyone seen any
other relevant materials?
 
JACK S. WILLIAMS * THE CENTER FOR SPANISH COLONIAL ARCHAEOLOGY * 1743 South
Standage * Mesa, Arizona 85202
 
Jack S. Williams; Center for Spanish Colonial Archaeology
1743 S. Standage, Mesa, AZ  85202
PHONE: (602) 820-5492
BITNET: ATJSW@ASUACAD     INTERNET: [log in to unmask]