On View
Segregation Gallery
Exhibition
Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
Manufactured by
Siros Manufacturing Company, American
Date
1945-1960
Medium
metal , paint , rubber
Dimensions
48 1/4 x 20 3/4 x 19 5/8 in. (122.6 x 52.7 x 49.8 cm)
Cord Length: 93 in.
Description
A yellow and gray, metal shoe shine machine with a frame at the top of the front panel holding a cartoon image of a caricatured boy. The frame has embossed text at the top that reads [BRUSH- UP] and at the bottom the read [SHINE]. The cartoon image depicts a caricature of a shoe shine boy with a bald head, a wide white mouth, white nose, white eyes and ears. He is wearing a plaid jacket, black pants and white shoes. Next to the boy is a speech bubble that reads [BRUSH / UP / SHINE] with the text [5¢] below. Next to the frame is a red coin slow with the text [BRUSH / UP / 5¢] written in white above the slot. At the base of the front panel is an opening to insert a foot. There is a small hood above the opening with a sign affixed to it that reads [KEEP SHOE MOVING / LIGHTLY ON BRUSH]. At the top of the machine is a metal and plastic sign case with embossed text that reads [BRUSH-UP / SHINE]. A plate on the top of machine reads [INSTRUCTIONS / BLACK & BROWN SHOES ONLY / RUNNING TIME ½ MINUTE / KEEP SHOE MOVING / TO BRUSH HEEL AND SIDES / PAT. PENDING / SIROS MFG. CO. HOUSTON, TEXAS].
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-Occupational
Racist and Stereotypical Objects
Type
machines
Topic
Business
Caricature and cartoons
Labor
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
2007.7.299
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5302c3f3e-1c79-46da-bd46-daa5b12d4f7f

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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