CERAMIC SALT & PEPPER SHAKER SET Black Americana Circa Late 1930s - 1941

Vintage Black Americana SALT & PEPPER SHAKER SET from the late 1930s features a black couple dressed for domestic service. The woman wears a blue and orange polka dot dress with a green and orange plaid apron and a red kerchief. The gentleman is clad in a formal black waistcoat, bow tie, white tuxedo pants, white shirt, and a red cummerbund.

Both 6" hand painted figurines display their hands clasped at the waist and retain their original cork stoppers. The set presents with no cracks or chips, but with expected crazing due to age. It is marked on the bottom with “JAPAN”.

About Black Americana:  Black Americana treasures reflect African American history and its struggle against racial injustice. Opinion is divided on whether to preserve these artifacts, as some believe it prolongs racist attitudes while others see it as a way to educate future generations on the importance of tolerance and social justice.

Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Spike Lee, and Anita Pointer (lead singer of the singing group, the Pointer Sisters), all collect Black Memorabilia, Lee used some of his objects in his movie Bamboozled. One of the largest collectors of Black Americana is Dr. David Pilgrim, who donated his large collection to Ferris University to found the Jim Crow Museum.

Dr. Pilgrim used a poignant quote to sum up the purpose of these artifacts: “Use items of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.”

For more information and to better understand Black Americana, visit the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University.