Black Chef and Maid 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:

Ceramic salt and pepper shaker set in the form of a black chef and maid. The maid is meant for the salt and the chef is meant for the pepper. The maid wears a white dress with a white and red headwrap and apron. The chef wears white pants and a white chef coat with an accompanying hat. Their faces appear shocked with open mouths and wide eyes. The set seems to be repainted.

Product Origin:

Japan.

Background:

To learn more about these caricatures, read "Mammy and Uncle Mose: Black Collectables and American Stereotyping" and "How Enslaved Chefs Helped Shape American Cuisine"

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.