Created by
Kennebec Spruce Gum, American, c. 1900 - 1970
Date
1900-1940
Medium
ink on cardboard
Dimensions
H x W x D: 11/16 × 2 9/16 × 1 in. (1.7 × 6.5 × 2.5 cm)
Description
This is the packaging box for a pack of Kennebec Spruce Gum. The box consists of rectangular brown cardboard with green text and a red logo of a Native American figure. Text is written on all four sides that state, [Kennebec / Spruce Gum / Made of gum base], [edible softening agents. / Rolled in cornstarch. / PRICE 10 CENTS], [PUT UP BY / C.A. McMAHAN Co. / FIVE ISLANDS, MAINE] and [FROM THE . . . /FORESTS OF MAINE]. The red logo is a silhouette of a Native American figure wearing a long, feathered war bonnet and carrying a stick in one raised hand and a hatchet in the other. One foot is raised as if dancing. One end of the box is missing.
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.
Place made
Five Islands, Sagadahoc County, Maine, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Racist and Stereotypical Objects
Type
packaging
Topic
Advertising
Amusements
Stereotypes
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Alan Laird
Object number
2017.111.14
Restrictions & Rights
No Known Copyright Restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd55d01a892-184c-40b0-b5bc-0f2e30b93ce3

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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