- On View
- Segregation Gallery
- Museum Maps
- Objects in this Location
- Created by
- Unidentified
- Date
- 1920-1929
- Medium
- ceramic
- Dimensions
- 4 x 4 3/4 x 5 1/2 in. (10.2 x 12.1 x 14 cm)
- Description
- A ceramic ashtray in the form of a “picaninny” boy eating a watermelon slice. The boy is in a seated position, with his bare feet holding the ashtray between his legs. He has curly black hair and is wearing a yellow shirt with red short pants. His lips are painted red and his teeth white. His chin is resting on a slice of watermelon that he is holding in both hands. The exterior rim of the ashtray is green, the top rim yellow and the interior red. Engraved lettering on the back reads [© / GU 18240]. The base of the ashtray is unfinished white ceramic.
- 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
- ashtrays
- 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
- 2007.7.81
- Restrictions & Rights
- No Known Copyright Restrictions
- Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.




