Children looking at a charity box in the shape of an African boy, Tanzania, ca. 1900-1914

"Die Christenkinder bewundern den Missionsneger. 'Lebt er' war eine der ersten Fragen." ("The Christian children admire the 'mission Negro'. 'Does he live' was one of the first questions."). Seven little boys dressed in European clothes gathered around a footstool with a charity box in the shape of an African boy on it. Inscription on the figure: "Gedenket der Heidenmission" ("Remember the heathen mission"). Cf. photo no.50(583), album no. 7. For the children cf. photos nos. 581 and 582, album no. 5. For the 'mission Negro' cf. photo no. 584, album no. 5. -- The 'mission Negro' was a wooden figure of about 20cms height which was used as a charity box to raise funds for German mission societies in congregations, sunday schools etc. Coins inserted through a slot in the chest of the figure activated a spring-driven mechanism producing a thankful nod of the 'mission Negro'.