By Rebecca L. White

This unusual moon man figurine (fig. 1) emerged from the depths of a privy during excavations in the former backyard of a brick row home at 1018 Palmer Street in Kensington. His large moon head, exaggerated facial features, and costumed human body give this figure a cartoon-like quality. This bisque (unglazed) porcelain figurine was discarded in a privy, along with over 7,300 other domestic artifacts. Although time had faded his once brightly colored features, the lengthy stay underground did not dampen the moon man’s charming grin.