Ceramic salt and pepper shakers depicting 'Aunt Jemima' and 'Uncle Moses' figures

These ceramic salt and pepper shakers are examples of Black Americana collectibles, produced primarily from the 1930s through the 1950s. They depict stereotypical domestic servant figures that were common in American kitchenware and advertising during the Jim Crow era. The 'Aunt Jemima' character originated from minstrel shows and became widely recognized through the pancake mix brand, while 'Uncle Moses' was a complementary figure created for similar products. These items were mass-produced as functional kitchen accessories and reflect the racial attitudes and commercial imagery of mid-20th century America. Black Americana collectibles have become significant historical artifacts that document a complex and painful period of American social history. Collectors, historians, and museums value these items for their educational importance in understanding racial stereotypes, advertising history, and the evolution of civil rights awareness. The market for such pieces includes serious collectors of American folk art, social history enthusiasts, and institutions preserving African American cultural heritage. These objects serve as tangible reminders of how racial imagery permeated everyday life and help facilitate important conversations about representation and equality.