H x W x D (2007.7.188a): 3 3/16 × 4 5/8 × 3 5/8 in. (8.1 × 11.7 × 9.2 cm)
H x W x D (2007.7.188b): 1 3/8 × 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 in. (3.5 × 8.9 × 8.9 cm)
Type:
coffee cups
Date:
20th century
Description:
A tin coffee mug (2007.7.183a) and lid (2007.7.10.183b) depicting a “picaninny” boy. The mug and lid are white with some black accents around the edge and the handle. The image on the side of the mug features a cartoon depiction of a boy hanging from the letters [J] and [Y] in the word [Jolly] in a red rimmed yellow circle against a green background. Above and below the child, in red letters, is the text [JOLLY / BOY / BLACK TEA].
Statement:
Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of the Collection of James M. Caselli and Jonathan Mark Scharer
