Document Type
Article
Publication Date
5-2014
Keywords
Aunt Jemima, Uncle Mose, 1930's, 1940's, 1950's, Salt and Pepper Shakers, African-American Memorabilia, Stereotypes, Mammy Stereotype, Derogatory Representations of African Americans in Advertising, Racism, Racist Caricatures
Abstract
Description:
Lee Forest, Director of Environmental Services at the University of Southern Maine, donated the figurines in 2002. In the early years of the twentieth century the commoditization of Aunt Jemima expanded beyond commercial flour mix to include a diverse array of products such as rag dolls, dish towels, cookie jars and salt-and-pepper shakers. Eventually, a husband was added, Uncle Mose, and two children, Diana and Wade. Household notions depicting the family continued to be produced into the 1960s, when the civil rights and black consciousness movements encouraged an examination of the symbolism behind representations of African Americans. The collection consists of 11 glazed ceramic figurines depicting Aunt Jemima and Uncle Mose. Objects include kitchen jars, a toothbrush holder, and several salt and pepper shakers.
Date Range:
ca. 1930s-1950s
Size of Collection:
3 ft.
Recommended Citation
Lee Forest Figurines, African American Collection of Maine, Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine, University of Southern Maine Libraries.
Included in
African American Studies Commons, American Studies Commons, Cultural History Commons, Social History Commons, United States History Commons
Comments
Provenance:
The Lee Forest Figurines were donated by Lee Forest, Director of Environmental Services at the University of Southern Maine, in 2002.
Ownership and Literary Rights:
The Lee Forest Figurines are the physical property of the University of Southern Maine Libraries. Literary rights, including copyright, belong to the creator or his/her legal heirs and assigns.
For further information, consult the Head of Special Collections, susie.bock@maine.edu