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

These AUNT JEMIMA & MOSE salt & pepper shakers, standing at 3 ½” tall, were created by Fiedler & Fiedler Mold and Die Works Company in Dayton, Ohio during the late 1940s. Made from molded hard red plastic with painted features, these Black Americana figures portray Aunt Jemima and Uncle Mose, and were part of a promotional give-away campaign for pancake mix with Quaker Oats. 

Aunt Jemima is adorned in a red dress, headscarf, and white apron while Uncle Mose sports a red suit jacket, yellow slacks, and bowtie. In wonderful condition with minimal loss. The bottom of each shaker is marked with the maker's name and "Made in the USA." The back of the Aunt Jemima shaker is also embossed, Aunt Jemima. Both still have the original stopper.

The inspiration for these characters came from songs, with Aunt Jemima based on a vaudeville tune and Uncle Mose derived from "Old Man Mose", a song written by jazz legends Louis Armstrong.

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.