This set of AUNT JEMINA AND UNCLE MOSE SHAKERS made by Fiedler & Fiedler (F & F) Mold and Die Works Company of Dayton, Ohio in the late 1940s, were Quaker Oats premiums given to customers in exchange for Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix box tops.
The 5" high pair is made from molded hard red plastic finished with spray painted facial features, skin tones and clothing. This set is the larger size of two sizes* of the promotional shakers produced to market the pancake mix.
The AUNT JEMIMA SHAKER holds a white platter, wears a red dress and headscarf and a white apron and neckerchief. The words, AUNT JEMIMA are embossed on the back of her skirt. The UNCLE MOSE SHAKER holds a black top hat, wears a red suit jacket and yellow slacks and bowtie. The words, UNCLE MOSE are embossed on the back of his jacket. The F & F Mold & Die Works Dayton, Ohio mark inside a medallion shape is embossed on each bottom.
The Aunt Jemima is nearly perfect with most of her paint and still has her plastic stopper. The Uncle Mose has not faired as well with paint missing in a few places and no plastic stopper. The bottom of his shaker has some type of glue near the hole and there is a plastic smudge on the back of this tailcoat. Please review the photos carefully. Both characters were inspired by songs.
The Aunt Jemima character, the “face and brand” of the one of the most recognized brands in U.S. history was based on a vaudeville song, while the Uncle Mose character was based on the song "Old Man Mose" written by jazz musicians, Louis Armstrong and Zilner Randolph in 1935.
Quaker Oats announced in June 2020 that Aunt Jemima will be retired from the brand and replaced with a new name and image "to make progress toward racial equality” as it is seen as stereotypical.
*The smaller 3 ½” high size as well as the Aunt Jemima Syrup pitcher are available for sale in another listing. See Aunt Jemima & Uncle Mose 3 ½" Shakers and Aunt Jemima Syrup Pitcher.
Enjoy your shopping!
About Black Americana: Black Americana, sometimes called Black Memorabilia refers to collectible objects and ephemera that has an African American theme. Although the theme and design of these items will often contain racist imagery can be very offensive, this is not always the case. Some black memorabilia have positive themes and reflect important events and people, such as the civil rights movement, musicians, scholars and/or members of the black community who have made a difference in our world.
In either case, it is important to remember that these items represent a very important historical record--a snapshot in time that should provide us an understanding of how black Americans were unfairly seen and treated for so many decades. While some believe that the preservation of Black Americana will only prolong racist prejudices, others collect so that history of Black America will not be forgotten by future generations. The founder of the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University in Michigan said about these items: “Use items of intolerance to teach tolerance.”
For more information and to better understand Black Americana, visit the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University.
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Description
Two 4 inch high Aunt Jemima figures, salt and pepper shakers
Please note that alternative views of these items can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.
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Items in this collection represent racially negative views which are not condoned by the University, nor the donors. These items were collected and are presented for educational purposes. Special Collections follows professional standards by naming collections for the donors who have given this material, providing provenance information, not assigning personal beliefs
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and does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender expression, national origin, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information or veteran’s status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 101 North Stevens Hall, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469-5754,
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Since May 06, 2020
Keywords
Racism, Racial Stereotypes, Popular Culture, American Popular Culture, Discrimination, Aunt Jemima, Uncle Mose, Black Memorabilia, Americana, 20th Century America, Material Culture, Functional Items, Kitchen Items, Tableware, Cookie Jar, Salt and Pepper Shakers
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