Manufactured by
Hawley & Hazel Group, Chinese, founded 1933
Date
1933-1985
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
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
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c67ae5b4-5701-4cad-8c9b-02f8939b9af1

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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