- On View
- Segregation Gallery
- Museum Maps
- Objects in this Location
- 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.