Made a quick trip to LSU Rural Life museum this morning. There are at least half a dozen sugar kettles placed strategically throughout the property. They are a relic of 18th and 19th century sugar production and came in different sizes. This is one of the larger ones. I liked the trim along the sides which makes it more decorative than the others.
Bayou Teche (pronouned Tesh) was an important trade route, so the kettles were also known as 'teches' and were used on plantations for cooking. Most of the sugar kettles were melted down for the war effort, so they are a unique treasure if you have one. This web site has more information on the history if you're interested.
Today the few remaining are used in lawns for plants or fire pits. My grandparents had one for the cows' water and one for family crawfish boils. Every time I see the big, cast iron kettle, I think of our large family gathered together under the pecan tree, eating, relaxing and playing without a care in the world.
32mm | f/5 | ISO 100 | 1/320 sec