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Your search found 51 result(s).
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  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Opera glasses and case owned by Mary Church Terrell

    Created by
    Lemaire, French, 1846 - 1955
    Owned by
    Terrell, Mary Church, American, 1863 - 1954
    Date
    late 19th-mid 20th century
    Medium
    glasses:metal, plastic, glass, mother of pearl;
    case: leather, silk, metal, paper, ink
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (case): 2 3/4 × 4 5/8 × 2 in. (7 × 11.7 × 5.1 cm)
    H x W x D (glasses): 2 1/4 × 4 × 1 1/2 in. (5.7 × 10.2 × 3.8 cm)
    Description
    Small opera glasses and case owned by Mary Church Terrell. The metal opera glasses (a) have inlaid mother of pearl decoration. Around the rim of each eyecup [LEMAIRE PARIS] is printed. The text on the left side is significantly deteriorated. The lens glass has some deterioration and the metal is tarnished. The green leather case (b) has a blue silk lining. There is a button closure to open the hinged lid. The sides seams are torn and the leather is abraded. The case handle is partially detached. There is a handwritten numerical notation inside the lid.
    Place collected
    Highland Beach, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Place made
    Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe
    Collection title
    Mary Church Terrell Family Archive
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    opera glasses
    cases (containers)
    Topic
    Amusements
    Domestic life
    Fashion
    Opera (Music)
    Theatre
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ray and Jean Langston in memory of Mary Church and Robert Terrell
    Object number
    A2017.13.1.16ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59b5093de-622e-41b1-be29-adec38c8ffc1
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Gold pencil and case owned by the Terrell family

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Terrell, Mary Church, American, 1863 - 1954
    Date
    1863-1954
    Medium
    gold, leather, metal, lining
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (pencil): 2 1/2 × 5/16 × 5/16 in. (6.4 × 0.8 × 0.8 cm)
    H x W x D (case, closed): 3/4 × 2 9/16 × 13/16 in. (1.9 × 6.5 × 2.1 cm)
    Description
    Mechanical pencil and case owned by the Terrell family. The miniature mechanical pencil (a) is gold. The small pencil had a chevron pattern and a ring at the end. The pencil is inside a black and tan leather case (b) with border detailing. The case has a red lining and a hook closure. The top of the case is damaged and flaking.
    Place collected
    Highland Beach, Anne Arundel County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Mary Church Terrell Family Archive
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    mechanical pencils
    cases (containers)
    Topic
    Correspondence
    Domestic life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Ray and Jean Langston in memory of Mary Church and Robert Terrell
    Object number
    A2017.13.1.54ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c52ad9cf-6bd8-40a4-874f-6fef22dd7c40
  • Cane for Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity

    Created by
    Kanework Kanes LLC, American, founded 2011
    Galloway, Howard
    Subject of
    Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., American, founded 1911
    Date
    2011-2014
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 050
    Exhibition
    Making a Way Out of No Way
    Medium
    pressure-sensitive tape on wood
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 27 9/16 × 5 9/16 × 1 in. (70 × 14.2 × 2.5 cm)
    Description
    A wooden, Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity cane wrapped in red plastic tape and decorated with white stripe and white and red stripe decals wrapped along the body of the cane, forming red, diamond shapes. The front of the cane has been decorated with white decals that spell the Greek letters, kappa alpha psi [? / ? / ?] in the top red diamond, [1 / 9 / 1 / 1] in the middle diamond and the Greek letters, Phi Nu Pi [F / ? / ?] in the bottom red diamond. The handle of the cane and the bottom of the cane has been wrapped in a white, plastic tape.
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    canes
    Topic
    Education
    Fraternities
    Men
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Howard L. Galloway Jr. / Kanework Kanes
    Object number
    2014.172.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5a42902df-e2a0-4358-b0a1-444b0eebc2f3
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Pocket watch likely carried by Matthew Henson in 1908-1909 Arctic expedition

    Manufactured by
    American Watch Company, American, 1850 - 1957
    Used by
    Henson, Matthew A., American, 1866 - 1955
    Subject of
    Henson, Matthew A., American, 1866 - 1955
    Peary, Robert E., American, 1856 - 1920
    Date
    1888-1889; inscribed 1908 or 1909
    Medium
    nickel , metal and glass
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 3 1/4 × 2 1/4 × 3/4 in. (8.3 × 5.7 × 1.9 cm)
    Caption
    An engraved watch that is believed to be the watch carried by Matthew Henson (1866-1955) on his exploration of the North Pole along with Adm. Robert E. Peary from July 6, 1908 to April 23, 1909. Henson is an iconic figure among American pioneering explorers. During the 1908-09 expedition led by Admiral Peary (whom he assisted on several Arctic expeditions over a 20-year period), Henson became the first man to reach the North Pole. For his achievements, Henson received the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1944. In 2000, the National Geographic Society awarded Henson the Hubbard Metal – its highest award.
    Description
    This pocket watch belonged to Matthew Henson and is engraved with his initials. The watch is silver in color and the words [R.E. PEARY / NORTH POLE / EXPEDITION / 1908] are engraved on the front in an Edwardian style. Henson's initials [M.A. HENSON] are engraved on the side. The watch has a white face with black hands and roman numerals. The watchmaker's name [Am. Watch Co. / WALTHAM] is printed in the top center of the face. The inside of the watch is engraved with the watchmaker's name [American Waltham Watch Co.] and the serial number [3639616].
    Place used
    North Pole, Arctic
    Greenland, Cape Morris Jessup, North and Central America
    Place made
    Waltham, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    pocket watches
    Topic
    Men
    Nature
    Science
    Technology
    U.S. History, 1865-1921
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2017.31
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51a84fae9-5904-4016-9333-4959ae6961ab
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Glasses of Henry W. Dennis with eyeglass case

    Owned by
    Dennis, Henry W., American, 1815 - 1882
    Subject of
    Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust, American, founded 2001
    Date
    mid-19th century
    Medium
    metal, crown glass, cloth, and rubber
    Dimensions
    H x W (glasses): 2 1/8 × 4 5/8 × 5/8 in. (5.4 × 11.7 × 1.6 cm)
    H x W (case): 2 3/8 × 5 1/8 × 3/4 in. (6 × 13 × 1.9 cm)
    Description
    The glasses have round, circular lenses and thin metal temple bars made of the same material that frames the lenses. There are small, browned nose pads attached to the bridge. The glasses rest on a small, worn pink cloth inside of a velvet lined case. The case is metal and mostly covered with a patterned black material. Fading, illegible silver lettering is centered on the top lid of the case.
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    eyeglasses
    eyeglass cases
    Topic
    Clothing and dress
    Families
    U.S. History, 1815-1861
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of M. Denise Dennis, in honor of the Dennis Family
    Object number
    2014.273.27ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5de50d59a-cefe-4583-b9d0-18c1234428ef
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Pocketwatch inscribed to William Lloyd Garrison from George Thompson

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Commissioned by
    George Thompson, English, 1804 - 1878
    Subject of
    The Liberator, American, 1831 - 1865
    Owned by
    Garrison, George Thompson, American, 1836 - 1904
    Garrison, William Lloyd, American, 1805 - 1879
    Date
    1850
    On View
    Concourse 3, C3 053
    Exhibition
    Slavery and Freedom
    Medium
    gold, metal, glass, paint
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 2 11/16 × 1 7/8 × 9/16 in. (6.8 × 4.8 × 1.4 cm)
    Description
    An inscribed gold pocket watch presented to William Lloyd Garrison. The watch has a half hunter case, with spring hinged glass cover over the dial and a hinged gold lid over the back, protecting the inscription and winding square. The dial is painted white with roman numerals and fleur de lis shaped watch hands. There is a smaller 60-second dial partly obscuring the "VI" of the larger dial. The two hinged covers open via a button on the crown and bow, positioned above the "XII" of the dial. The engraved inscription on the back of the watch is decorative and reads [Presented by / GEORGE THOMPSON, M.P. / on behalf of him / self and others / to / WILLIAM LLOYD GARRISON, / intrepid and uncompromising / Friend of the Slave: / in commemoration of the / TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF / THE LIBERATOR / Boston / January 1st, 1851] in several text sizes and fonts. Production and identification marks are stamped and scratched on the inside of the back cover.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place made
    London, England, Europe
    Place depicted
    Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Slavery and Freedom Objects
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Movement
    Abolitionist movement
    Type
    pocket watches
    Topic
    Antislavery
    Social reform
    U.S. History, Civil War, 1861-1865
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Garrison Family in memory of George Thompson Garrison
    Object number
    2014.115.6.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e0215bd0-3401-45dd-a961-97d312b03270
  • Box for Kennebec Spruce Gum

    Created by
    Kennebec Spruce Gum, American, c. 1900 - 1970
    Date
    1900-1940
    Medium
    ink on cardboard
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 11/16 × 2 9/16 × 1 in. (1.7 × 6.5 × 2.5 cm)
    Description
    This is the packaging box for a pack of Kennebec Spruce Gum. The box consists of rectangular brown cardboard with green text and a red logo of a Native American figure. Text is written on all four sides that state, [Kennebec / Spruce Gum / Made of gum base], [edible softening agents. / Rolled in cornstarch. / PRICE 10 CENTS], [PUT UP BY / C.A. McMAHAN Co. / FIVE ISLANDS, MAINE] and [FROM THE . . . /FORESTS OF MAINE]. The red logo is a silhouette of a Native American figure wearing a long, feathered war bonnet and carrying a stick in one raised hand and a hatchet in the other. One foot is raised as if dancing. One end of the box is missing.
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Place made
    Five Islands, Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    packaging
    Topic
    Advertising
    Amusements
    Stereotypes
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Laird
    Object number
    2017.111.14
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55d01a892-184c-40b0-b5bc-0f2e30b93ce3
  • Box for “Darkie” brand toothpaste

    Manufactured by
    Hawley & Hazel Group, Chinese, founded 1933
    Date
    1933-1985
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    cardboard
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (2007.7.172.1): 5 13/16 × 1 5/8 × 1 3/16 in. (14.8 × 4.1 × 3 cm)
    Description
    A thin cardboard "Darkie" brand toothpaste box. Both the front and back of the box feature a black and white illustration of a caricature of a wide-eyed, smiling man wearing a top hat, white shirt, black jacket and a bow tie. The white and black text above the image on each side reads [DARKIE / TOOTH PASTE]. The bottom third of the box front has a circular logo with three circles split into one (1) large and two (2) small black and white semicircles and text above and below the middle semi-circle that reads [HAWLEY & HAZEL / BLACK & WHITE]. At the bottom of the front panel is black text that reads [HAWLEY & HAZEL / CHEMICAL CO. LTD.]. The back of the box is identical to the front. The thinner sides of the box are green with a black background. White and black text on each side reads [DARKIE / Contains Fluoride / TOOTH PASTE / Contents 46 ml]. The top and bottom flaps are green with black border. Black and white text on them reads [DARKIE / TOOTH PASTE / LARGE SIZE].
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Place made
    Asia
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    boxes (containers)
    Topic
    Caricature and cartoons
    Health
    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
    2007.7.172.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f7cf74b6-29b0-4205-8284-234ec03fe666
  • Tube of “Darkie” brand toothpaste

    Manufactured by
    Hawley & Hazel Group, Chinese, founded 1933
    Date
    1933-1985
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    metal , plastic and inorganic material
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 5 × 1 9/16 × 1 in. (12.7 × 3.9 × 2.5 cm)
    Description
    A tube (2007.7.172.2a) of "Darkie" brand toothpaste, made of metal with a black plastic cap (2007.7.172.2b). The metal tube is primarily white, with a black band around the top. White text around the band reads [DARKIE] and [DARKIE] on the front and the back of the tube. The front of the tube features a black and white illustration of a caricature of a wide-eyed, smiling man wearing a top hat, white shirt, black jacket and a bow tie. Black text above the image reads [TOOTH PASTE]. Below the illustration is a black and white circular logo with three circles, split into one (1) large and two (2) small black and white semicircles, and text above and below the middle semicircle that reads [HAWLEY & HAZEL / BLACK & WHITE]. The black text under the logo reads: [HAWLEY & HAZEL]. Black text printed on the back reads [TOOTH PASTE].
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Place made
    Asia
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    toothpaste
    Topic
    Caricature and cartoons
    Health
    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
    2007.7.172.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c67ae5b4-5701-4cad-8c9b-02f8939b9af1
  • Box for "Darkie" brand toothpaste

    Manufactured by
    Hawley & Hazel Group, Chinese, founded 1933
    Date
    1933-1985
    Medium
    cardboard
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (2007.7.463.1): 5 × 1 1/2 × 1 in. (12.7 × 3.8 × 2.5 cm)
    Description
    A thin cardboard "Darkie" brand toothpaste box, with writing printed in English and Thai. Both the front and back of the box feature a black and white illustration of a caricature of a wide-eyed, smiling man wearing a top hat, white shirt, black jacket and a bow tie. The white and black text above the image on each side reads [DARKIE / TOOTH PASTE]. Red writing, in Thai, is printed under the image. The bottom third of the box front has a circular logo with three circles split into black and white semicircles and text above and below the middle circle that reads [HAWLEY & HAZEL / BLACK & WHITE]. At the bottom of the front panel is black text that reads [HAWLEY & HAZEL / CHEMICAL CO. LTD.]. The back of the box is identical to the front except for the Thai text in black at the bottom and a white sticker over the man’s face with blue text that reads [BEST] at the top and Thai at the bottom followed by [5%]. The thinner sides of the box are green, one side printed in English and the other in the foreign language. The English side reads [DARKIE / TOOTH PASTE / Contains Fluoride]. The top flap is white, green, and black with lettering in Thai. The bottom is green, white, and black with English lettering that reads [DARKIE / TOOTH PASTE / MEDIUM SIZE / 10.00 / (baht currency symbol)].
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Place made
    Thailand, Asia
    Collection title
    Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    boxes (containers)
    Topic
    Advertising
    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
    2007.7.463.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5afbf70c7-3272-4f6f-a3b2-067d9ccdb281
  • Tube of "Darkie" brand toothpaste

    Manufactured by
    Hawley & Hazel Group, Chinese, founded 1933
    Date
    1933-1985
    Medium
    metal , plastic and inorganic material
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (2007.7.463.1): 5 × 1 1/2 × 1 in. (12.7 × 3.8 × 2.5 cm)
    H x W x D (2007.7.463.2ab): 4 3/8 × 1 3/8 × 7/8 in. (11.1 × 3.5 × 2.2 cm)
    Description
    A tube (2007.7.463.2a) of "Darkie" brand toothpaste, made of metal with a black plastic cap (2007.7.463.2b). The tube is primarily white, with a black band around the top. White text around the band reads [DARKIE DARKIE]. The front of the tube features a black and white illustration of a caricature of a wide-eyed, smiling man wearing a top hat, white shirt, black jacket and a bow tie. Black text above the image reads [TOOTH PASTE]. A black and white circular logo with three circles split into black and white semicircles and text above and below the middle circle that reads [HAWLEY & HAZEL / BLACK & WHITE]. The black text under the logo reads: [HAWLEY & HAZEL]. Black text on the back reads [TOOTH PASTE].
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Place made
    Thailand, Asia
    Collection title
    Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    toothpaste
    Topic
    Advertising
    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
    2007.7.463.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54ce236ae-cfed-4452-b757-ea1c00cc332d
  • Clothes brush with handle in the form of a caricatured woman

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Date
    ca. 1920-1940s
    Medium
    wood, bristle, paint and cloth
    Dimensions
    7 x 3 1/4 x 3 1/4 in. (17.8 x 8.3 x 8.3 cm)
    Description
    A long-bristled clothes brush with a handle in the form of a caricatured woman. The woman’s head and body are two, round wood shapes. Her face is painted black with white eyes and a red mouth and she is wearing a yellow hat. A discolored white ribbon is tied around the neck in a bow. Her body is painted yellow. A scalloped edged black collar has been painted around the neck. There are five (5) circular buttons painted down the center of the body. Tan bristles are attached through numerous holes in the bottom of the handle, forming her skirt.
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Collection title
    Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    clothes brushes
    Topic
    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
    2007.7.52
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd546e6effc-38c8-4a9c-be07-45de48c86128
  • Clothes brush in the form of "Mammy"

    Manufactured by
    Rhody Brush Company, American
    Date
    ca. 1935
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    wood , bristle and cloth
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 7 1/16 × 2 3/4 × 3 1/4 in. (18 × 7 × 8.3 cm)
    Description
    A Rhody Brush Company "Mammy" clothes brush with red blouse and a skirt dotted with red polka dots. The long-bristled palm brush has a handle in the doll-like form of a "Mammy." The handle is painted wood, carved to resemble the head and torso of a woman and the bristle brush forms her skirt. The figure's head is painted black with white eyes, a white nose, and a wide red mouth. Her hat is painted red. The figure is armless but has a painted on red blouse with five (5) circular white buttons and a white scalloped collar. Tied around the neck of the figure is a yellow bow. Natural bristles are attached through numerous holes in the bottom of the body. The bristle skirt is dotted with red polka dots.
    Statement
    Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
    Place made
    Woonsocket, Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Racist and Stereotypical Objects
    Type
    clothes brushes
    Topic
    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
    2007.7.53
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5def6e800-cf29-4bd8-9176-f4a7c8206361
  • Afro hair comb with black fist design

    Distributed by
    Eden Enterprise, Inc., American, founded 2002
    Date
    2002-2014
    Medium
    plastic and metal
    Dimensions
    6 3/4 × 2 3/4 × 7/16 in. (17.1 × 7 × 1.1 cm)
    Description
    Plastic and metal afro-pick manufactured by Eden Enterprise, Inc. Afro-hair pick has black plastic handle shaped like a raised hand in fist. In relief on plastic handle, reads [Eden/Christina MJ/MADE IN CHINA]. Teeth of pick are metal. Packaging is still sealed. Packaging is white plastic, with afro-pick in pouch between white plastic backing and a clear front plastic, so item can be seen (on one side only). Front of packaging, at top, reads [Eden] in white in the red top left corner, with [METAL FISTPIK] in black in center of the top section of the package with blue and green leaf and flower like depictions in the background. The back of the packaging is all white, with the top portion reading [Eden] in red at the top, with [Distributed by/EDEN Enterprise, Inc./Skokie, IL 60077/Made In China] in blue underneath, all aligned to the left. The barcode is on the right of the top portion of the reverse of the packaging, oriented vertically. Hole at top center of packaging - for display/hanging purposes.
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Movement
    Black is Beautiful
    Type
    combs (grooming tools)
    Topic
    Black power
    Hair
    Identity
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Elaine Nichols
    Object number
    2014.125.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59caa5513-8160-4dc4-805c-0f0d70b86c43
  • Afro hair comb with black fist design

    Manufactured by
    Eden Enterprise, Inc., American, founded 2002
    Date
    2002-2014
    On View
    Concourse 1, C1 053
    Exhibition
    A Changing America: 1968 and Beyond
    Medium
    plastic and metal
    Dimensions
    6 3/4 × 2 3/4 × 7/16 in. (17.1 × 7 × 1.1 cm)
    Description
    This is an afro-pick manufactured by Eden Enterprise, Inc. The pick has a black molded plastic handle shaped like a raised fist. The teeth of the pick are metal. In relief on the front of the plastic handle is text that reads "Eden/ Christina MJ/ MADE IN CHINA."
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Movement
    Black is Beautiful
    Type
    combs (grooming tools)
    Topic
    Black power
    Hair
    Identity
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Elaine Nichols
    Object number
    2014.125.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5725ab3d7-ff37-4051-ae0e-319c083ea67c
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Silver brush owned by members of the Ellis family

    Created by
    Black, Starr & Frost, American, founded 1810
    Date
    late 19th-early 20th century
    Medium
    silver, horsehair, and wood
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 2 x 1 3/4 x 6 in. (5.1 x 4.4 x 15.2 cm)
    Description
    Decorative silver handled brush. There is a monogrammed engraved "M" at the center of the handle. This brush consists of a comb holder and comb strips of bristles. It is an elongated oval or a rectangle with half circular short ends. The outer covering of the handle is sterling silver with an egg and dart pattern around the circumference of the upper ridge. The silver covers a wooden comb holder insert housing 1 ½” semi-stiff yellow horsehair bristles. The wood is covered in thin wood or plastic veneer with circular holes for the horsehair to pass through. The silver is adorned in repoussé floral scrollwork. A maker’s mark is stamped into the side that reads [BLACK STARR & FROST.] with a tiny falcon with its head turned to the proper right. Also stamped into the side is the text [STERLING 37]. The initials [MM] or [WW] are engraved on the top surface.
    Place used
    Orange County, Virginia, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    brushes
    Topic
    Domestic life
    Families
    Hair
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Clara Ellis Payne
    Object number
    2012.42.8.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd533ddce6e-5567-4128-8f32-ba3f7c066454
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Electrical hot comb heater and hot comb

    Manufactured by
    Solar Electric Manufacturing Co., American
    Used by
    McIntyre, Edna Stevens, American, 1917 - 2017
    Date
    1920s
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050
    Exhibition
    Cultural Expressions
    Medium
    metal, ceramic, wood, plastic and cloth
    Dimensions
    a - Heater (with cord coiled at side): 4 1/2 × 9 3/4 × 13 in. (11.4 × 24.8 × 33 cm)
    a - Heater (with cord wrapped around it): 4 3/4 × 5 11/16 × 8 in. (12.1 × 14.4 × 20.3 cm)
    a - Heater (without cord): 4 3/4 × 5 3/16 × 7 3/8 in. (12.1 × 13.2 × 18.7 cm)
    a - cord outstretched (just cord): 7/8 × 60 7/8 × 1 in. (2.2 × 154.6 × 2.5 cm)
    b - comb: 3/4 × 7 3/16 × 1 1/4 in. (1.9 × 18.3 × 3.2 cm)
    Caption
    The items in this collection belonged to Edna Stevens McIntyre (May 22, 1917-). She was born in Washington, DC but relocated to Duquesne, PA at the age of 7 or 8 after her mother died. She was raised by a paternal aunt, Ida Stevens Johnson. Edna McIntyre is the aunt of the donor, Linda Crichlow White.
    Description
    An electric hot comb heater with a hot comb. The hot comb heater (48a) has a cylindrically-shaped body, with a stainless steel exterior and ceramic insulating tube interior. Hot combs are placed inside the central ceramic tube to be heated for use. The heater is bolted to a black-painted steel base. On one of the short ends of the base is a toggle switch with "OFF" to the left and "ON" to the right. On the opposite short end from the toggle switch is a cloth-covered electrical cord that extends out of the base. There are stainless steel rests along both of the long ends of the heater body, which provide spaces for additional hot combs to be placed. There is a stainless steel foot above the toggle switch that provides stability for the handle of the hot comb that is being heated in the interior. The center of the top of the heating element is imprinted with a logo reading "SOLAR". A metal plaque has been attached to the metal base with grommets, reading “SOLAR ELECTRIC MFG CO. / SAN FRANSISCO, CA / MADE IN U.S.A. 2AMPS 115 VOLTS SERIAL NO. 337094”. A paper board is inserted into the bottom of the metal base.
    The hot comb (48b) is a brass colored metal comb with black wooden handle. The handle has the initials “E. S. M.” carved into one side.
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    equipment
    Topic
    Hair
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Linda Crichlow White in honor of her aunt, Edna Stevens McIntyre
    Object number
    2011.59.48ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50059b424-1925-4ccc-931e-dc15969784a3
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Pocket watch owned by Harry T. Moore

    Manufactured by
    Illinois Watch Company, American, founded 1879
    Owned by
    Moore, Harry Tyson, American, 1905 - 1951
    Date
    ca. 1920s
    On View
    Concourse 2, C 2053
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    Medium
    metal and glass
    Dimensions
    H x W: 2 5/16 x 1 11/16 x 5/16 in. (5.9 x 4.3 x 0.8 cm)
    Description
    Pocket watch by Illinois Watch Company used by Harry Tyson Moore, Sterling model. It features a circular white face with black hands and numerals. Under the twelve it has the company and model name "ILLINOIS/ STERLING." There is a second smaller face for marking the seconds at the bottom of the main face. The casing is a plain brass colored metal with a loop and ridged crown at top. The back has a faint cross hatching pattern with a small heraldic crest in the center.
    Place collected
    New Carrollton, Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, North and Central America
    Place used
    Mims, Brevard County, Florida, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Adornment
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    pocket watches
    Topic
    Civil rights
    Families
    Hate crimes
    Men
    Resistance
    Segregation
    Violence
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Donated by Juanita Evangeline Moore, daughter; "Skip" Pagan, grandson; and Darren Pagan, great-grandson
    Object number
    2013.157.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd542f76f6f-ca48-4320-a3e2-a0c2758e6926
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Hand mirror from Mae's Millinery Shop

    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Owned by
    Reeves, Mae, American, 1912 - 2016
    Subject of
    Mae's Millinery Shop, American, 1941 - 1994
    Date
    1941-1994
    On View
    Community/Third Floor, 3 051
    Exhibition
    Power of Place
    Medium
    glass and plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 13 1/4 x 5 x 1/2 in. (33.7 x 12.7 x 1.3 cm)
    Description
    Hand-held oval mirror with a clear molded plastic handle and frame with decorative scrolls and round protrusions.
    Place collected
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Mae's Millinery Shop Collection
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    mirrors
    Topic
    Business
    Women
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from Mae Reeves and her children, Donna Limerick and William Mincey, Jr.
    Object number
    2010.6.118
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5149efa5c-6c19-4558-879e-8731a7a71026
  • White Express skin lightening lotion

    Manufactured by
    White Express, French
    Date
    2014
    On View
    Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 050
    Exhibition
    Cultural Expressions
    Medium
    suspending agent and plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 7 1/2 × 3 15/16 × 1 9/16 in. (19 × 10 × 3.9 cm)
    Description
    This is a white container for lightening lotion manufactured by White Express. The front of the container features a large, white rectangular label with the image of a woman on the left side. She is facing the viewer, smiling mouth open, with her left hand against the left side of her face. She wears a towel wrapped around her head. The woman's right side is cropped from the label. Surrounding the woman is text in various sizes, colors, and fonts listing the manufacturer, uses, and description in both English and French. The text reads "NEW/ White/ EXPRESS/ Lait éclaircissant/ LIGHTENED-SKIN in 10 DAYS/ SOINS INTENSIFS/ DEPIGMENTANTS/ FORMULE/ AVANCEE/ au butyresorcinol/ et AHA/ Extra whitening lotion/ PARIS-LONDRES-NEW YORK." On the back of the container is an additional white label with before and after pictures at the top. Also on the label is black text listing the directions for use, ingredients, and description. The label text is in both English and French.
    Place made
    Paris, Île-de-France, France, Europe
    Classification
    Tools and Equipment-Personal use
    Type
    cosmetics
    Topic
    African diaspora
    Beauty culture
    Colorism
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2014.285.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd511e340b3-f8b1-4615-b1d8-21ad51714ac7

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