Posted 5 years ago
knutte1
(76 items)
I received this set of shakers when I purchased a collection.
They are 2.5 inches tall, appear homemade out of plaster.
The date on the bottom is 8/3/42--I wonder if that is 1842, pre Civil War
There is also writing 2nd ?unes.
I've not come across any information.
Wondering if this was a common practice to make such things and how was it done.
Thank you
This is a mammy also spelled mammie figure set. She was never heard of before the civil war. She was fashioned after Aunt Chloe. Her clothing was red and white but miniatures like these were reproduced in both green and blue. Most were salt and pepper shakers, change banks and door stops made of cast iron. Eventually they were and still are made of everything from plastic to porcelain. They were a big fad in the 40's and 50's and grocery stores like A&P Tea store and Grand Union gave them away free to attract shoppers. The market was flooded with them and every household collected them.
Hmmmm, looks like Aunt Jemima and Moses to me. And I used to collect shakers too but have never seen a set such as this. Google vintage black Americana shakers, most are red and white, mine were blue and I sold them a few years back for a grip! Mine are posted here, not mine any longer!
https://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/144183-aunt-jemima-and-uncle-moses-blue-shakers
Thank you fhrjr2,
It is my understanding that enslaved Africian woman were Mammys, nursing and raising the children of their owners white children. Uncle Tom's Cabin was first published in 1852.
Thank you shareurpassion,
The Aunt Jamima and Moses figures and salt and pepper shakers were made of plastic or ceramic. Wish I could share a few photos. Moses was almost always holding a tray and the later version, wearing a chef's hat and holding a spoon.
The male character is this set has a cane.