Manufactured by
Dodo Cosmetics, Togolese
Date
2014
Medium
soap (organic material) , ink on cardboard with plastic
Dimensions
H x W x D (soap): 2 3/8 × 3 5/16 × 1 1/2 in. (6 × 8.4 × 3.8 cm)
H x W x D (packaging): 2 5/8 × 3 13/16 × 1 5/8 in. (6.7 × 9.7 × 4.1 cm)
Description
a. This is an off-white bar of soap and its packaging. Rectangular in shape, the soap material is darkening slightly at one end. There are shallow ribbing marks and irregularities across the surface. It is wrapped in plastic.
b. This is cardboard packaging for skin lightening soap. Front of packaging on the right side features an image of a young woman with her left side facing the viewer. She chin rests on her left shoulder as she looks at the viewer. Left of her head at the top of the packaging is stylized cursive text in purple that reads “Dodo." On the lower half of the front of the packing is a pink background. In the middle of the packaging is a white oval with purple and pink text within that reads "BODY SOAP/ LIGHTENING." To the left of the woman's torso is an additional white oval with purple, stylized cursive text that reads "WhiteUp/ TM." In the lower left corner of the packaging is additional white text "Gumming/ Anti Spots." The back of the packaging is identical to the front with the English text replaced by French. The remaining sides of the packaging is filled with instructions for use, ingredients, manufacturing information, and use. The box includes both French and English language throughout.
Place made
Lome, Togo, West Africa, Africa
Classification
Personal Effects and Items
Type
cosmetics
Topic
Africa
Beauty culture
Colorism
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2014.285.1ab
Restrictions & Rights
Unknown - Restrictions Possible
Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54213bb54-0926-40c9-8437-389d0ad02f79

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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