#97 • A Souvenir of the World War: Detained Enemy Alien Prison Camp Bone Art Pair

Part of TRENCH ART & WWI Memorabilia (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $120.00

Status: Sold

Category: Britain

A Souvenir of the World War: Detained Enemy Alien Prison Camp Bone Art Pair. Set of two by the same maker with inscription continuing across both, but varying slightly in the way that the dates are rendered.  ~27.5cm tall with inscriptions on scrolls on one side, floral motifs and dates on the opposite.  One bone is dated "1914-1916" in relief; the other "1915-1917" inscribed with red ink filler.  Both are on fitted wood bases.   During the First World War, the British government detained an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 “enemy aliens,” primarily German and Austrian nationals, as a precaution against espionage and internal unrest. These civilians were held in a network of internment camps across Britain and the Isle of Man, including major sites such as Knockaloe Camp, one of the largest internment complexes in Europe, and Stobs Camp in the Scottish Borders. Although they were not prisoners of war, many detainees experienced long periods of confinement, which led to the development of organized activities intended to maintain morale and provide structure to daily life. One notable result of this environment was the creation of what is now referred to as “bone art.” Internees collected discarded animal bones from camp kitchens and transformed them into finely carved objects such as miniature sculptures, jewelry, and decorative items. These pieces were sometimes sold at camp exhibitions or fairs attended by local British civilians, offering a rare opportunity for interaction with the outside world. The income generated allowed detainees to purchase small comforts such as tobacco and sweets, while the creative process itself helped relieve boredom and sustain a sense of purpose under restrictive conditions. Estimate: $200 - $300