Negro Hand Puppet c. 1936

Beverly Chichester created this watercolor and graphite rendering of a "Negro Hand Puppet." While the exact date remains unknown, its existence raises complex questions about the representation and commodification of Black identity. The puppet embodies the visual language of minstrelsy with its exaggerated features and dark complexion. Such imagery was used to dehumanize African Americans, perpetuating racist stereotypes that justified social and political oppression. Consider how the act of puppetry itself can be interpreted here. Who controls the narrative, and whose voice is amplified or suppressed? How does the puppet serve as a vehicle for the performance of racist caricatures, reflecting the deep-seated prejudices of the time? While seemingly benign, the image is a stark reminder of the insidious ways in which racism can be embedded in popular culture. This artwork invites us to reflect on the emotional and personal dimensions of historical representation.