|
VERY RARE late nineteenth to early twentieth century dancing or jigging Black/Sambo man.
The small jointed cardboard cutout of the man measures just under 2 inches. The figure is affixed with a pin on a small wooden dowel that protrudes from the center of the round wooden box (which measures just under 3 inches in diameter). The varnished wooden box is covered by a piece of round glass, which is held in place by a makeshift coil of thick gauge copper wire.
When removed from the box (see photos) the mechanism of the joints is visible; the arms, legs and head appear to be secured in place with thin wire to the torso and each limb is counterweighted with a drop of lead held in place by wax.
Holding the box in one's hand causes the figure to vibrate thus moving (i.e., dancing) its arms, legs and shaking its head. The balance is perfect, and the movement is vigorous.
From its rather primitive construction I would guess this is a handmade (folk) toy; not mass-produced.
It is a classic example of racist stereotype Black Americana; and a one-of-a-kind collectible. |