Head and Watermelon Slice Salt and Pepper Set

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Description:

1930s-40s ceramic salt and pepper shaker set in the form of a black man’s head and watermelon slice. The head wears a red beret, which matches the color of his lips. The head is meant for the salt and the watermelon is meant for the pepper.

Product Origin:

Japan.

Background:

To learn more about the significance of watermelon imagery read "How Watermelon’s Reputation Got Tangled in Racism" and “How Watermelons Became a Racist Trope”

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.