Hand Painted & Jointed DANCING TOY or Phonograph Dancer Circa 1920 – 1930

This Black Americana HAND PAINTED & JOINTED PHONOGRAPH DANCER, circa 1920 to 1930, boasts a painted body, face, and legs of approximately ½” or less width depth wood, and is about 10” tall. Attached via a chest buttonhole, a 16 ¾” rod enables the toy to dance when moved. A "tuxedo" style shirt with red bowtie and red cork hat complete the look, although the cork is slightly chipped and a leg appears to have been repaired with string.

Historical Context & Content Notice

This item reflects imagery and themes that were produced during periods of racial inequality in the United States. Such objects often contain harmful stereotypes that are offensive today. They are presented here for historical documentation and educational purposes only, not as an endorsement of the views they depict.

Museums and scholars emphasize the importance of preserving and contextualizing this material to better understand the history of racism and its impact. This approach is informed by institutions such as the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University, which uses artifacts of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.