Machete lapel pin, "La Reforma Agraria Va" (Cuban Agrarian Reform)
Entry/Object ID
2025.2.16
Description
Small gold‑colored metal lapel pin in the shape of a cane‑cutting machete (mocha). The blade and handle are lettered in relief: "· LA ·" on the handle and "REFORMA AGRARIA VA" along the blade. Pin fastener on the reverse (assumed; reverse not shown).
Use
Belonged to Anna Veltfort, who brought it with her to the United States when she moved back in 1971.
Collection
Anna Veltfort collection
Acquisition
Accession
2025.2
Source or Donor
Anna Veltfort
Acquisition Method
Gift
Made/Created
Date made
circa 1959
Place
Country
Cuba
Region
Caribbean, Central America
Notes
Maker: Cuban revolutionary‑campaign pin tied to the Agrarian Reform (and the INRA). Manufacturer/issuer not identified on the visible face.
Date: No date on the object; the "La Reforma Agraria va" slogan dates the campaign to 1959 and the immediately following years.
Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Inscription
Transcription
LA REFORMA AGRARIA VA
Language
Spanish
Translation
LAND REFORM IS ON ITS WAY
Dimensions
Height
0.5 cm
Width
4.7 cm
Parts
1
Materials
Material
Metal
Material Notes
Materials: Gold‑colored metal (brass or gilt — tentative); metal pin fastener.
Technique: Die‑struck/stamped metal badge.
Condition
Overall Condition
Poor
Relationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Anna Veltfort
Notes
Owner
Related Places
Place
City
Havana
Country
Cuba
Region
Caribbean, Central America
Notes
Acquisition
Place
City
New York City
State/Province
New York
Country
U.S.A.
Continent
North America
Notes
Preservation
Related Events
Event
Agrarian Reform
Research Notes
Notes
Commemorates/promotes the Cuban Agrarian Reform; "La Reforma Agraria va" was the popular mobilization slogan around the 17 May 1959 Agrarian Reform Law, implemented by the Instituto Nacional de Reforma Agraria (INRA).
Machete (mocha) form references rural/agrarian labor.
