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.

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.