On View
Segregation Gallery
Exhibition
Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
Created by
Unidentified
Date
1950s
Medium
ceramic and gold leaf
Dimensions
H x W x D (2007.7.6.1): 4 7/8 × 1 7/8 × 1 7/8 in. (12.4 × 4.8 × 4.8 cm)
H x W x D (2007.7.6.2): 5 × 2 1/4 × 1 3/4 in. (12.7 × 5.7 × 4.4 cm)
Description
Ceramic salt shaker (2007.7.6.1), in the form of "Chef," who is depicted wearing a white chef's uniform, an apron outlined in gold, black shoes, and a white chef's hat with a red mark on the hat rim. "Chef" is holding a red spoon with his proper right hand. There is a gold [S] painted on the bottom center edge of the apron. There are three salt shaker holes at the top of the hat.
Ceramic pepper shaker (2007.7.6.2), in the form of "Mammy," who is depicted wearing a white dress, white apron edged in gold and a white scarf with gold decoration and a red kerchief covering her head. “Mammy” is holding red spoon with her proper left hand. There is a gold [P] painted on the bottom center edge of the apron. There are three pepper shaker holes at top of the kerchief.
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
Racist and Stereotypical Objects
Type
containers for serving and consuming food
Topic
Caricature and cartoons
Cooking and dining
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
2007.7.6.1-.2
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd56ccb74ef-6aa7-41e6-b363-cbc4c35b4f99

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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