We get questions from time to time on “What is Black Americana” to “What items are collectible” so we decided to write up this little guide to hopefully answer these questions as we feel there just might be some other folks out there with these questions too. We are always learning and seeking information as this collecting niche is vast and there is still so much to learn.

What Exactly is Black Americana?

Black Americana is also referred to as Black Memorabilia, Afro-Americana, and Black Face Collectibles and these are all terms that refer to collectibles having an African- American theme.

As far back as the 1700s Black Americana porcelain figurines and dolls were being manufactured in Germany, Japan, England, France, Austria, and the United States. The majority of Black Americana items were produced between the late 1800s and the 1950′s. Souvenirs were the biggest market and included novelty items, salt and pepper shakers and bisque children sitting on cotton bales. In the late 1950’s-1960’s these items began to disappear from the market and were no longer being mass-produced.

Undoubtedly, these items are often offensive, but they do represent a historical record of our countries’ past and we then remember how our country over-came those days of so long ago. Many collectors say that they seek out these items today to show their children how races were viewed and how times and things have changed.

We at Crazy4me are crazy about Black Americana kitchen items, specifically Salt & Pepper Shakers, Tea Towels, and Tablecloths. These items can brighten your home so instantly with their jovial themes and bright colors and we truly enjoy them!

The Below Black Americana Kitchen Items Are Very Collectible Today:

• Luzianne Mammy (offered by Luzianne Coffee Co. in the 1950s) we have a rare pair of Luzianne Mammy shakers in our eBay store
• Mammy Cookie Jars
• Mammy Recipe Box (Fosta Products USA plastic red, yellow, green)
• Salt and Pepper shakers (Mammy, Chefs, Butlers, Kids, Natives)
• Spice Sets
• Pie Birds
• Wall pockets
• Teapots
• Jelly & Jam Jars
• Tablecloths & Tea Towels (Embroidered and Printed)
• Aunt Jemima

& So much more!

Interest in collecting Black Americana has seen a huge spike in recent years. It seems folks just can’t get enough of these rare quirky collectibles. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Spike Lee, and Whoopi Goldberg are avid collectors. Because the demand for Black Americana is so high with little inventory in the market place, new and fist-time collectors are finding it difficult to purchase more than one item at a time. But, there are still some bargains out there to be had as collectors and dealers who have multiples of items will occasionally part with them.
You can find Black Americana collectibles at specific shows across the country that specialize in this with many dealers booths setup to showcase and sell their items. Many antique malls and shops sometimes have these items in stock too. There are also many online Internet antique malls and stores as well as eBay. There are some insane deals to be had right on eBay!

Reproductions & Fakes

No discussion on Black Americana collectibles would be complete without mentioning reproductions and fake items. Several of the cookie jars and salt and pepper shakers are being made out of the old molds today. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between the old and new especially when they bear a maker’s mark. Usually the new item is a tiny bit smaller. Best rule is to know your merchandise and know your dealer. The Internet is a great resource for researching reproductions and there are several good books in the market that not only discuss fakes but list values too.