“Aunt Jemima” and “Uncle Mose” Salt and Pepper Shakers

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-40s hard plastic salt and pepper shaker set in the form of “Aunt Jemima” and “Uncle Mose.” “Aunt Jemima” is meant for the salt with small holes in the shape of an “S” and “Uncle Mose” is meant for the pepper with small holes in the shape of a “P.” The pair wears their stereotypical outfits with “Aunt Jemima” in a red dress and white apron and “Uncle Mose” in yellow pants, a red jacket, and yellow bowtie.

Product Origin:

The U.S.A.

Background:

To learn more about these caricatures, read "Mammy and Uncle Mose: Black Collectables and American Stereotyping", "Uncle: Race, Nostalgia, and the Politics of Loyalty.", "Overlooked No More: Nancy Green, the ‘Real Aunt Jemima’", and "Aunt Jemima and the long-overdue rebrand of racist stereotypes."

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.