On View
Segregation Gallery
Exhibition
Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
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
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
2007.7.81
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b23155d2-71a4-4731-99f7-2a7a8fd71766

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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