Wooden carved Native American figurines salt and pepper shakers by MPI

These wooden salt and pepper shakers depicting Native American figures were produced by MPI (Modern Plastics Inc.) around 1948-1949. They represent stereotypical depictions of Native Americans that were common in mid-20th century American household decorative items, reflecting the cultural attitudes and appropriation prevalent during that era. These salt and pepper shakers appeal to collectors of vintage kitchenware, Americana, and Native American-themed memorabilia. They are valued by collectors of mid-century decorative arts and those interested in historical representations of indigenous peoples in American popular culture. While controversial by today's standards due to their stereotypical depictions, they remain sought after as artifacts of American material culture from the post-WWII period.