Molded Plastic AUNT JEMIMA & MOSE SHAKERS 3 ½” Black Americana Circa 1940s (B)

AUNT JEMINA & UNCLE MOSE SHAKERS, 3 ½” high, were produced in the late 1940s by Fiedler & Fiedler (F & F) Mold and Die Works Company of Dayton, Ohio, as part of a promotional campaign with Quaker Oats. Crafted of molded hard red plastic with spray-painted details to formulate facial features, skin tones, and clothing, these shakers are complete with a green plastic stopper.

The Aunt Jemima shaker dressed in a red dress and headscarf, with a white apron and neckerchief holds a white platter, while the Uncle Mose shaker holds a black top hat and is dressed in a red suit jacket, yellow slacks and bowtie. Aunt Jemima has a few scuffs on her apron and a few areas lacking paint on her face, but Uncle Mose appears perfect. The manufacturer mark and Made in the USA is embossed on each bottom and the names of the character on their backs.

Quaker Oats drew its inspiration for both characters from songs.  Aunt Jemima drew inspiration from a jaunty vaudeville number, while the Uncle Mose representation is based on "Old Man Mose", penned by jazz musicians Louis Armstrong and Zilner Randolph in 1935. In June 2020, Quaker Oats announced the retirement of Aunt Jemima, citing the need to progress toward racial equality due to the brand's stereotypical image.

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.