NMAAHC Collections Search

Candle snuffer depicting a caricature of a man's head

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: brass (alloy)
Dimensions: 1 3/4 x 13 1/4 x 1 3/8 in. (4.4 x 33.7 x 3.5 cm)

Type: candle snuffers

Date: 20th century

Description: A brass candle snuffer depicting a caricature of a man's head. The man is wearing a brimmed hat. The interior of the snuffer is hollow in order to be placed over a lit candle. The handle is a thin piece of brass.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.100

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Domestic; Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Figurine in the form of a caricatured African woman and child

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: ceramic , metal , paint
Dimensions: 6 1/4 x 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 in. (15.9 x 5.7 x 5.7 cm)

Type: figurines

Date: 20th century

Description: A figurine in the form of a caricatured African woman and child. Both of the figures are wearing red and white scalloped, striped skirts. The woman is holding a gold spear in her proper right hand and is wearing gold hoop earrings. Woman and child are standing on a purple and teal base. Child is connected to female using two small metal rod attached to the woman's leg and the child's back and head.

Topic: African American; Africa; Caricature and cartoons; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.101

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Bobblehead doll in the form of "Mammy"

Created by: Bouge, Cindee, American

Medium: papier mâché , metal and glass
Dimensions: 10 1/4 x 3 3/4 x 4 7/8 in. (26 x 9.5 x 12.4 cm)

Type: character dolls

Date: 2000-2007

Description: A papier mâché bobblehead doll in the form of "Mammy." The doll's head and body are attached by a metal spring. Her nose, cheeks, and lips are red. The figure has glass eyes with brown irises. A white kerchief with black polka dots covers her head. She has bare feet and is wearing a yellow dress with black polka dots. The dress has a black ruffle over the breast and a black shawl is tied around her neck. Her breasts and backside protrude out from the body. The figure is mounted on a round black base. Signed on the back, at the bottom right [Cindee / Bouge].

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Craftsmanship; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.110

Restrictions & Rights: © Cindee Bouge. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Papier mâché container in the form of "Mammy's" head

Created by: Bouge, Cindee, American

Medium: paint on papier mâché and cloth
Dimensions: 8 1/4 x 8 x 8 1/2 in. (21 x 20.3 x 21.6 cm)

Type: containers

Date: 2003

Description: Papier mâché container in the form of "Mammy's" head. The container is spherical, with a round hole cut out at the top, revealing a hollow inside. The face has a prominent nose and large red lips. Yellow flower-print fabric is adhered around the head and tied as a kerchief. The print features blue, red, and yellow flowers with green stems. The bottom of the container is signed, in black [Cindee / Bouge / 2003]

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Craftsmanship; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.111

Restrictions & Rights: © Cindee Bouge. Permission required for use.

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Decorative Arts, Craft, and Design
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Five figurines in the form of caricatured male musicians

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: ceramic
Dimensions: H x W x D (2007.7.141.1): 2 15/16 × 1 15/16 × 1 1/2 in. (7.5 × 4.9 × 3.8 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.141.2): 2 3/4 × 1 7/16 × 1 1/2 in. (7 × 3.7 × 3.8 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.141.3): 2 3/4 × 1 11/16 × 1 3/4 in. (7 × 4.3 × 4.4 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.141.4): 2 3/4 × 1 5/8 × 1 1/8 in. (7 × 4.1 × 2.9 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.141.5): 2 11/16 × 1 3/4 × 1 1/2 in. (6.8 × 4.4 × 3.8 cm)

Type: figurines

Date: ca. 1930-1940s

Description: 2007.7.141.1:; A ceramic figurine in the form of a caricatured male musician playing the clarinet while sitting on a red ottoman. The musician is wearing a black suit with a black tie over a white shirt. The man’s skin and hair are painted the same color black as the suit and his lips are painted red. The clarinet is painted gold. There is a hole on the bottom of figurine.; 2007.7.141.2:; A ceramic figurine in the form of a caricatured male musician playing the saxophone while sitting on a red ottoman. The musician is wearing a black suit with a black tie over a white shirt. The man’s skin and hair are painted the same color black as the suit and his lips are painted red. The saxophone is painted gold. There is a hole on the bottom of figurine.; 2007.7.141.3:; A ceramic figurine in the form of a caricatured male musician playing a drum while sitting on a red ottoman. The musician is wearing a black suit with a black tie over a white shirt. The man’s skin and hair are painted the same color black as the suit and his lips are painted red. The drum and drum mallets are painted gold. There is a hole on the bottom of figurine.; 2007.7.141.4:; A ceramic figurine in the form of a caricatured male musician playing the trumpet while sitting on a red ottoman. The musician is wearing a black suit with a black tie over a white shirt. The man’s skin and hair are painted the same color black as the suit and his lips are painted red. The trumpet is painted gold. There is a hole on the bottom of figurine.; 2007.7.141.5:; A ceramic figurine in the form of a caricatured male musician playing the banjo while sitting on a red ottoman. The musician is wearing a black suit with a black tie over a white shirt. The man’s skin and hair are painted the same color black as the suit, his lips are painted red and his teeth have been painted white. The banjo is painted gold. There is a hole on the bottom of figurine.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Minstrel (Music); Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.141.1-.5

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Pin-back button advertising "Trixy" brand molasses

Attributed to: D.B. Scully Syrup Company, American

Medium: ink on paper with metal and plastic
Dimensions: 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 x 3/8 in. (8.9 x 8.9 x 1 cm)

Type: buttons (information artifacts)

Date: ca. 1954

Description: A pin-back button advertising "Trixy" brand molasses. The button features a cartoon image of a “Picaninny” girl’s face. The girl has a large red bow with yellow circle decorations under her chin. She has nine small red ties in her hair. The background of the top two thirds of the button is yellow with darker yellow rays. The bottom third of the button has a blue background. Button reads, [TRIXY / LOUISIANA / OLD STYLE COOKING / MOLASSES / D. B. SCULLY SYRUP CO. / CHICAGO, ILL.].

Topic: African American; Advertising; Caricature and cartoons; Cooking and dining; Foodways; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.178

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Jig doll in the form of a caricatured porter

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: wood , paint and metal
Dimensions: H x W x D (2007.7.204a-d): 14 1/8 × 9 7/8 × 3 13/16 in. (35.9 × 25.1 × 9.7 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.204a): 12 1/4 × 3 × 2 in. (31.1 × 7.6 × 5.1 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.204a & d): 12 7/8 × 3 × 2 in. (32.7 × 7.6 × 5.1 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.204b): 9 1/2 × 1/4 × 1/4 in. (24.1 × 0.6 × 0.6 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.204c): 1 7/8 × 9 7/8 × 3 13/16 in. (4.8 × 25.1 × 9.7 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.204d): 3/4 × 1 1/16 × 1 1/16 in. (1.9 × 2.7 × 2.7 cm)

Type: dolls

Date: ca. 1935

Description: A wooden jig doll in the form of a caricatured porter. The doll has jointed limbs and "dances" when a levered paddle on the base is manually activated. The doll consists of four (4) pieces: doll, dowel, base, and hat.; 2007.7.204a:; A wooden jig doll in the form of a "coon" porter. His face is painted black, with white eyes and a wide, white mouth. A cylindrical wooden hat (2007.7.204d) sits atop the PR side of his head. The hat fits on top of a small dowel and can be removed. The doll has been painted wearing porter’s uniform: a red jacket over a white shirt and red tie. A red and white boutonniere has been painted over his proper left breast. The doll's arms are jointed at the shoulder and his legs are jointed at the hip and knees. His legs and feet are unpainted wood. A dowel has been inserted into a round hole in the bottom of the torso, attaching the legs.; 2007.7.204b:; A wooden dowel. Fits into a hole in the base and stands up vertically. The top fits into the doll, allowing the doll to stand above the wooden paddle (2007.7.204c).; 2007.7.204c:; A rectangular wooden base for the doll, with levered paddle. The base is painted red with a yellow semi-circle design. A rectangular wood block is attached to the base and acts as a fulcrum for the paddle. The paddle has a round face, painted brown and white. It has a round hole in the center that is aligned over a round hole in the base, into which a wooden dowel (2007.7.204b) is inserted. The paddle acts as a base for the figure, which "dances" when the lever is pressed up and down.; 2007.7.204d:; A cylindrical hat for doll. The hat is brown wood, with a red band painted around the bottom. There is a round hole in the bottom, which allows the hat to be inserted onto a dowel on the doll's head.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.204a-d

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Toys and Games
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Walking toy in the form of a caricatured porter

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: paint on wood , metal
Dimensions: 12 1/8 x 5 1/2 x 4 1/2 in. (30.8 x 14 x 11.4 cm)

Type: walking dolls

Date: ca. 1935

Description: A painted, wooden walking toy in the form of a caricatured porter. The porter has a cartoonish face with large, round eyes and a wide white mouth. He is painted wearing bellhop uniform: a gold jacket with four (4) black buttons and the word [SAMBO] under his proper left breast pocket. A hat is painted on top of his head, gold with a red front. His torso is hinged at the waist to his cylindrical, red legs. The porter has large platform feet with curved bottoms that allows the toy to walk. The shoes are painted black, the backs gold. There are circular grooves cut into the porter's lower back.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.206

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Toys and Games
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Walking toy in the form of a caricatured porter

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: paint on wood
Dimensions: 13 7/8 x 5 1/4 x 5 1/2 in. (35.2 x 13.3 x 14 cm)

Type: walking dolls

Date: ca. 1935

Description: A painted, wooden walking toy in the form of a caricatured porter. The figure has a black cartoonish face with white eyes, a large, red mouth and white teeth. The top of his head is also black, with two orange stripes on the proper left. He is painted wearing a red jacket, white shirt and a black tie. His legs are cylindrical and painted orange. The figure's proper right foot is missing. The proper left foot has a flat top and curved bottom with the front of the foot painted orange, and the back painted black. The back of his head is painted orange at the top with a red body and orange legs. There is a broken orange wooden post coming out of the porter's lower back.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.207

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Toys and Games
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Coin bank in the form of "Mammy"

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cast iron
Dimensions: 7 1/2 x 5 x 3 1/4 in. (19.1 x 12.7 x 8.3 cm)

Type: banks (containers)

Date: ca. 1925

Description: A cast iron coin bank in the form of "Mammy." The bank is made of two (2) parts joined vertically at the center. The halves do not match up perfectly. The figure is standing, with her hands on her hips. She is wearing a red dress, white shawl, and white waist apron tied around her back. A red kerchief with white polka dots is tied around her head. Her face, hands, and shoes are painted black. Her eyes are two white dots. A rectangular hole for inserting coins is located at the center of her back, on the shawl.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.211

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Coin bank in the form of "Uncle Mose"

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cast iron
Dimensions: 7 3/4 x 3 1/2 x 3 in. (19.7 x 8.9 x 7.6 cm)

Type: banks (containers)

Date: late 20th century

Description: Cast iron coin bank in the form of "Uncle Mose." The figure is almost entirely bald with a ring of white hair around the bottom portion of his head, white muttonchops and thick, white eyebrows. He is wearing a red jacket, yellow pants, yellow neck tie, black shoes, and a white shirt. He is standing and holding a black top hat with a white hat band in both hands in front of his chest. A rectangular hole for inserting coins is located in the center of his upper back.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.212

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Coin bank in the form of "Mammy"

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cast iron
Dimensions: 12 x 7 1/2 x 5 in. (30.5 x 19.1 x 12.7 cm)

Type: banks (containers)

Date: ca. 1925

Description: Painted metal coin bank in the form of “Mammy." She is standing with her feet apart and her hands on her hips. She is wearing a blue dress with yellow cuffs, yellow shawl, white waist apron, and black shoes. A red kerchief with white polka dots covers her head. She has brown eyes and a smiling, pink mouth. A rectangular hole for inserting coins is located at the center of the figure's back, on the shawl.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.217

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Coin bank in the form of a caricatured boy

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cast iron and paint
Dimensions: 4 1/2 x 3 5/8 x 3 1/4 in. (11.4 x 9.2 x 8.3 cm)

Type: banks (containers)

Date: late 19th-early 20th century

Description: Cast iron coin bank in the form of a bust of a caricatured boy. The boy is wearing a red shirt, with white collar and black bow tie. Mouth of boy is painted red with white teeth. The boy’s eyes are painted white with black dots at the center. Bank is made of two halves put together, with a vertical seam running down the sides of the bank. Raised lettering on the back of the bank reads, [THE / YOUNG NIGGER / BANK]. The bank of the boy's head has a small horizontal slot for inserting coins. There are five holes on bottom of bank. There is one dime is in the bank.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.218

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Coin bank in the form of a caricatured boy

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cast iron
Dimensions: 6 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 6 in. (15.9 x 13.3 x 15.2 cm)

Type: mechanical banks

Date: ca. 1920

Description: A mechanical coin bank in the form of a bust and arm of a caricatured boy. The boy has yellow eyes and red lips, white teeth and a wide open mouth. He is wearing a red jacket with white trim and a blue bow tie. His jacket has three (3) chevrons on the right sleeve and a yellow cuff. Only the front of the jacket is painted. A lever is located on the back of the boy's proper left arm. The palm of his right hand is a flat semicircle, to fit a coin. When the lever is pressed, the right arm raises, his tongue depresses, his eyes close, and his ears rotate backwards. There is a round hole located in the bottom of the bank. White sticker with writing in blue ink on the bottom that reads [$60].

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.219

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Coin bank in the form of "Mammy" seated on a chamber pot

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cast iron
Dimensions: 7 3/4 x 4 1/2 x 4 3/4 in. (19.7 x 11.4 x 12.1 cm)

Type: banks (containers)

Date: 20th century

Description: A metal coin bank in the form of "Mammy" seated on a chamber pot. The woman is depicted wearing a kerchief and dress. She is seated on a chamber pot and holding the dress above her backside. A metal flat-head screw is located in the center of her backside; another is located on the back of the figure's head. A rectangular slot for inserting coins is located in the center of her upper back.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.220

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Coin bank in the form of a "pickaninny" boy eating a watermelon slice

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cast iron
Dimensions: 8 1/2 x 3 3/8 x 2 1/4 in. (21.6 x 8.6 x 5.7 cm)

Type: banks (containers)

Date: 20th century

Description: A cast iron coin bank in the form of a "pickaninny" boy eating a watermelon slice. The boy is standing on a tiered rectangular base. He is holding a slice of watermelon up to his mouth with both hands. The watermelon is painted red and green. The boy is wearing only gray shorts. A rectangular slot for inserting coins is located in the center of his upper back. The bank is made of two halves (front and back), joined in the center. There are two (2) metal screws on the back of the figure, one (1) in the center of his head and one (1) on the proper right calf. There is a round indentation on the proper left calf. An additional two (2) screws are located on the bottom of the base, under the figure's feet.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.221

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Donation box and lid with a carving for the "Alabama Coon Fund"

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: wood , paint and fiber
Dimensions: 8 1/4 x 7 1/4 x 4 1/16 in. (21 x 18.4 x 10.3 cm)

Type: banks (containers)

Date: 20th century

Description: A wooden donation box (2007.7.225a) and lid (2007.7.225b), painted black. Off-white painted lettering on the front reads [ALABAMA / COON FUND] on the front of the box. The o's in "Coon" are used as eyes in a smiley face, with an exaggerated mouth drawn underneath. Engraved lettering on the back and left sides of the box read [LONSDALE / 6 1/2" x 44]. The lid features a carved figurine of a ‘coon” with its proper right hand outstretched stands on top of the box. He is wearing only painted-on brown shorts. His facial features are carved and black fibers have been adhered to his head as hair. The off-white pointed text in front of the figurine reads [DONATION!]. Under the writing is a long, thin rectangular coin slot.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.225ab

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Three blackface masks

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: cotton (textile)
Dimensions: H x W x D (2007.7.229.1): 13 5/8 × 10 3/4 × 3/8 in. (34.6 × 27.3 × 1 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.229.2): 14 5/16 × 9 3/4 × 1/2 in. (36.4 × 24.8 × 1.3 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.229.3): 12 1/4 × 10 × 1/2 in. (31.1 × 25.4 × 1.3 cm)

Type: masks (costume)

Date: 20th-mid 20th century

Description: 2007.7.229.1; A triangular blackface mask constructed from stretch, black knit cloth. The mask are predominantly black with white stitching around the eye holes and red, appliquéd cloth at the mouth. The mouth is large and exaggerated.; 2007.7.229.2; A triangular blackface mask constructed from stretch, black knit cloth. The mask are predominantly black with white stitching around the eye holes and red, appliquéd cloth at the mouth. The mouth is large and exaggerated.; 2007.7.229.3; A triangular blackface mask constructed from stretch, black knit cloth. The mask are predominantly black with white stitching around the eye holes and red, appliquéd cloth at the mouth. The mouth is large and exaggerated.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Clothing and dress; Costume; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.229.1-.3

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Clothing-Costume
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Puppet with stand in the form of a caricatured man

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: Paint on wood with metal, plastic and felt
Dimensions: H x W x D (2007.7.233abc): 13 3/4 × 8 3/8 × 11 1/2 in. (34.9 × 21.3 × 29.2 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.233a): 13 1/4 × 4 × 11 1/4 in. (33.7 × 10.2 × 28.6 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.233b): 11 × 8 3/8 × 11 1/2 in. (27.9 × 21.3 × 29.2 cm); H x W x D (2007.7.233c): 2 3/4 × 3/16 × 3/16 in. (7 × 0.5 × 0.5 cm)

Type: puppets

Date: ca. 1935

Description: A wooden puppet with stand.; 2007.7.233a; A painted wood puppet with jointed limbs, spring-mounted head, and spring handle at the back. The puppet is in the form of a caricatured man sticking out his tongue. He is wearing a white shirt, blue bowtie, blue jacket with red lapels, and black and yellow striped pants. His feet are painted as if he is wearing white spats over black shoes. A metal spring with a green wood handle is attached to the center of the doll's back.; 2007.7.233b; A puppet stand with a round base, painted black and green. The underside of the base is covered in green felt. A spiral-cut, cylindrical wooden pole with a groove at the top is attached to the base behind a round hole.; 2007.7.233c; An off-white cylindrical plastic peg. The peg is inserted into doll stand on base, over metal spring, holding the doll in place.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.233abc

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Toys and Games
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

Candleholder in the form of a silhouette of a caricatured woman

Created by: Unidentified

Medium: metal
Dimensions: 8 7/8 x 7 3/8 x 3 5/8 in. (22.5 x 18.7 x 9.2 cm)

Type: candleholders

Date: 1922

Description: A metal candleholder in the form of a caricatured woman. The figure is cut out in the silhouette, with incised details. The woman is wearing a kerchief with a pattern of repeated circles around her head. She is also wearing a long-sleeved top, and skirt or apron with a pattern of circles and triangles. She holds a candle cup in her right hand. She stands on a metal base in the shape of an oval with pointed ends. The base has a design of short horizontal lines incised throughout the center and raised circles around the edges. There are two (2) strips of tan carpet adhered to the underside of the base.

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Domestic life; Stereotypes

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer

Object number: 2007.7.253

Restrictions & Rights: No Known Copyright Restrictions

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
Classification: Tools and Equipment-Domestic
Exhibition: Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
On View: NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053

Data Source: National Museum of African American History and Culture

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