Bones, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes 1888

This is “Bones, from the Musical Instruments series (N82) for Duke brand cigarettes”, made by W. Duke, Sons & Co. in the late 19th century. It’s a chromolithograph card that was originally included in packages of Duke cigarettes. These cards, which were wildly popular, offer a window into the era’s complex intersection of entertainment, commerce, and cultural representation. The card depicts a woman, likely a performer, holding percussion instruments known as bones. However, her portrayal is loaded with stereotypes which reflect the minstrel tradition, a form of entertainment rooted in the caricature and mockery of Black Americans. These images were circulated widely, helping to normalize racist tropes while shaping perceptions of identity and belonging. They served as both a form of advertising and a tool for reinforcing cultural hierarchies. The emotional impact of such imagery is a stark reminder of the pain and dehumanization experienced by marginalized communities. This card should remind us to examine the power dynamics embedded in popular culture, both past and present.