On View
Segregation Gallery
Exhibition
Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
Created by
Unidentified
Date
ca. 1900
Medium
wood , metal
Dimensions
14 3/4 x 15 1/4 x 9 in. (37.5 x 38.7 x 22.9 cm)
Description
A cast iron boot scarper in the form of “Mammy" standing on a trestle. The scraper has a large rectangular metal base. Metal ridges rise from the left and right side of the object, and each ridge has a bristled shoe brush attached to the inside. Between the two bridges is a sole scraping blade. A trestle connects the two metal sides. Atop the trestle is a painted metal "Mammy." She is wearing a red dress with a white apron and white shawl and a blue kerchief over her head.
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
shoebrushes
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
2007.7.472
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b5924282-1e6d-4f52-b6c9-75df119e69ae

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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