Created by

Unidentified

Date

20th-mid 20th century

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)

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.

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

Clothing-Costume

Racist and Stereotypical Objects

Type

masks (costume)

Topic

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

Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

GUID

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5c6642d7b-5e16-49f9-b5db-239f95a7eb03