"Mammy" Toothpick Holder

This catalog is an ongoing project as we continue adding new pieces and researching listed items. If you have any information about an object in this collection, please reach out to us at info@aahafauquier.org

Description:

Nippon ceramic toothpick holder in the form of a black woman. This figure wears a red dress, white apron, and blue head wrap. A hole in the back of this piece is meant for holding toothpicks or other small objects.

Product Origin:

Japan.

Background:

The piece depicts the stereotypical “mammy” figure.

To learn more about this caricature, read "The Mammy Caricature."

Statement: We understand these objects may inflict offense through their embodiment of racist ideology by depicting stereotypical and discriminatory imagery and language. However, we hope to educate our community and encourage personal reflection through interacting and understanding the historical context of these objects, rather than ignoring them.