String holder in the form of “Mammy”
- On View
- Segregation Gallery
- Museum Maps
- Objects in this Location
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Date
- ca. 1920-1930s
- Medium
- ceramic
- Dimensions
- 6 1/2 x 4 x 2 3/4 in. (16.5 x 10.2 x 7 cm)
- Description
- A ceramic string holder in the form of "Mammy." The holder is painted and glazed. “Mammy” is depicted wearing a red kerchief and cream colored dress with green vertical and red horizontal stripes. Her hands are clasped in front of her waist. A circular hole, the string dispenser, in the center of her chest just above hands. The back of the string holder is unpainted ceramic with an open cavity in the center. The inside of the cavity is painted cream and glazed. There is an oval-shaped hole in the top of the back, under where the red kerchief is painted. A keyhole shaped piece of ceramic is adhered inside at the head. Lettering along the bottom edge of the back reads [U.S.A. / S. Co.]
- 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
- 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
- 2007.7.41
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.