Skip to main content

Chosen Family: Portrait of Auntie Oneita

Dublin Core

Identifier

AR-0010

Title

Chosen Family: Portrait of Auntie Oneita

Date

c 1950

Subject

African American women.
Portrait photography.

Description

This is a black-and-white studio portrait of Oneita, the best friend of Mary Frances Smith (formerly Bentley) and a beloved play aunt (fictive kin) to the Smith family.

She is posed slightly angled, looking at the camera with a slight smile. She wears a dark dress with a wide, scooped neckline and a cinched waist, accentuated by a fabric belt with a buckle. A crescent-shaped jeweled brooch adorns the neckline of her dress. Her hair is slicked back with tightly curled bangs.

The portrait shows many signs of age, with visible creases, tears, pencil marks, and discoloration.

Rights

Rights over this image are held by Antonia Rose. Permission to reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use this image must be obtained from Antonia Rose prior to any use.

Extent

3.5 x 5 in.

Type

Still Image

Format

Black and white photographic print

Citation

“Chosen Family: Portrait of Auntie Oneita,” Wayne State University - School of Information Sciences, accessed May 13, 2026, https://waynestateu.omeka.net/items/show/2316.