- On View
- Segregation Gallery
- Museum Maps
- Objects in this Location
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Date
- 20th century
- 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)
- 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.
- 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
- Furnishings, Housewares, and Décor
- Racist and Stereotypical Objects
- Type
- banks (containers)
- 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
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.