Little Pig - Little Pigs Barbecue Mascot Mask (1960's)

Step back into the heyday of roadside dining with this cheerful Little Pigs Barbecue paper mascot mask from the 1960s. Once a staple of the booming barbecue chain that proudly advertised “genuine hickory smoked” meats, this mask captures the playful branding that made family restaurants of the mid-20th century such beloved destinations.

Distributed as a children’s premium or menu tie-in, the grinning pig—complete with chef’s hat emblazoned LP—was both entertainment and advertising. Kids could slip it on while parents enjoyed hearty plates of ribs and pulled pork, turning dinner into a lighthearted event. Most of these masks were used, crumpled, and tossed away, making survivors like this scarce examples of vintage barbecue ephemera.

Today, these masks hold special appeal not just for collectors of restaurant memorabilia, but also for fans of kitschy Americana and vintage advertising art. The bold graphics, oversized features, and clean typography are emblematic of 1960s design sensibilities.

Date: 1960s
Issuer: Little Pigs Barbecue (regional U.S. chain)
Type: Advertising / children’s menu souvenir mask
Size: approx. 12" x 14" (larger format than most menu masks)
Rarity: Relatively scarce — especially in displayable condition given their disposable nature.