"Mammy" Soap 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:

1940s ceramic soap holder in the form of a black woman. This figure wears a pink dress and pink head wrap. Her outstretched arms are meant to hold soap.

Product Origin:

Unknown.

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.