Tuesday, 30 July 2013

Remember History Through Black Memorabilia

By Lela Perkins


Black memorabilia or black Americana is an African American memorabilia that were produced in the early 20th century, between 1900s to 1960s. It can be an image, statues, posters, and other items of African Americans doing any menial labor they were subjected to at that period of history. The images sometimes depicts them with exaggerated appearances like wide eyes and thick lips with head scarves or handkerchief.

Other collectibles can be mammy dolls, slave documents, advertising mediums, caricatures, and kitchen items. Political posters from 1960s which features black activists have a historical value and can be considered a collectible. Highly valued memorabilia are those from Afro American actors, artists, singers, and bands.

People from different countries and races collect them for many different reasons. Utensils and kitchen wares like pepper, salt, or paprika shakers are common collectibles and also bisque dolls that were sold as souvenir items in those times. There are also a lot of controversial items because of the scenes and themes of slavery involved that most citizens does not approve it being sold anywhere, yet, they are still highly valuable.

Not all pieces have a negative connotation and most of them are not bought for discrimination or racism. Although many will try to acquire this kind of memorabilia as remembrance of their heritage even if people deem them offensive because of slave related topics. On the other hand, there are other collectibles that are uplifting and inspiring.

These collections are a way to appreciate the struggles of their ancestors and a reminder to never make the same mistakes again. Some collectors do not treat these as a hobby or for fun rather as a way to make amends with the past. It helps them aim for a prosperous future that is free any form of ethnic discrimination and racial barriers.

Although it has become quite popular in this decade, collecting these items can be a very costly endeavor. Prices of authentic and vintage pieces from fifteen years ago have become higher than anticipated. When prices are high, there are a lot of reproductions that will follow particularly cast irons which has a lot of reproductions and fakes.

Counterfeits and reproductions are prevalent so make sure that the piece you are shelling out a good sum of money is legitimate. Before buying anything that is advertised as antique or vintage, check if it has been reproduced. Check what are the prices of similar products if you are not sure of the values.

Inspect the feedback of past customers when you are buying online, and check other items are sold. Buying from a distinguished auction organizers and dealers are safer since they can give proper documents to a product. Just because it has an authenticity marking does not mean it is so be cautious and read the description always.

A balanced collection shows the bad and good, the painful and positive side of that time in history and includes a wide variety of black memorabilia. Still, people have their own choice when it comes to collecting. The times have taught us to be a bit more understanding and tolerant so that we can live in harmony with one another.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment