On View
Segregation Gallery
Exhibition
Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
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)
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
2007.7.221
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd553acc589-bb74-48c1-a8b1-f1fdb6fe33c8

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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