Museum Collections
Luce Center
Aunt Louisa's Cube Puzzles: Ethiopian Minstrels
Object Number:
2003.5
Date:
ca. 1888
Medium:
Wood; paper
Dimensions:
Overall: 11 3/4 x 10 x 2 3/4 in. ( 29.8 x 25.4 x 7 cm )
Description:
"Aunt Louisa's Cube Puzzles: Ethiopian Minstrels" puzzle blocks in a wooden box with sliding lid; chromolithograph on lid with image of caricatured African-American figures in graveyard with printed inscription "AUNT LOUISA'S CUBE PUZZLES / ETHIOPIAN MINSTRELS. / McLoughlin Bros., N.Y."; box contains 30 wooden blocks, each side lithographed with a different scene of minstrel figures; five loose chromolithographs provide keys to the completed puzzles (the sixth puzzle is illustrated on the cover).
Gallery Label:
Games such as this reflected the pervasive racial prejudice common in late nineteenth-century America. Perpetrated with humorous intent, these games unfortunately helped to reinforce and sustain deeply-entrenched racial stereotypes.
Credit Line:
Gift of Anonymous
Due to ongoing research, information about this object is subject to change.