Posted 10 years ago
paintgirl
(1 item)
This doll was given to me by a good friend. Her mother purchased it probably in the late 50's to mid 70's. Completely hand made with animal hide's, beading, what I believe to be natural dyes. Have no idea the origin of this doll. Have sent to a variety of museums around the country, specializing in dolls, including the Smithsonian ... possibly Inuit was the only feedback I received (but not sure). If you recognize it ... please share. Thank you.
Wonderful ! I hope someone on site can ID the tribe for you !
I am not sure of age either , it might well be South America doll. Hard to tell without holding it . It strikes me beading is not perfect and that would make me question if Indian made or made by someone other than a Indian ?
Wow. This is really nice and does look authentic Inuit. That's a cross on the skirt (black and orange) a symbol of prayer for protection while out hunting. Sorry I could not tell you the year.
Share I believe you see a intuit symbol . I see to many imperfections in beading and even children had to get the beading exact . That still leaves me wondering . I would like to hold it :-)
Interesting that there seems to be agreement that this might be of Inuit origin. When I search for tribes, dolls, headdress' from the arctic areas ... nothing like this comes up. Think I will try researching the cross that appears to be a symbol of prayer and see what I come up with (thank you shareurpassion). The friend, who originally owned this doll, was a HUGE collector of Native American relics, and Mexican relics ... and attended MANY legitimate Pow Wow's, etc. Appreciate everyone's input ... if you have add'l thought, please do share. This is driving me CRAZY. Sent photos to Emil Her Many Horses at Smithsonian, and also to the Exec. Director at Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. It was the Director at the Mitchell Museum that reviewed it with her colleagues ... and they placed it in a variety of places including South America, Southwest US and the Arctic.
I will have a museum friend that collected Indian dolls look at it but it will take several days . I don't see Inuit but I did learn from working in museum American Indians did not make mistakes when beading . As a example next to cross are 2 lines of beads on each side of . One longer than the other .
Very interesting Manikin ... I see what you mean about the length of the lines of beading. I look forward to hearing what your friend has to say. Thank you.
He might stop over today if so I will show him your doll . He is national doll judge and well known and my mentor for over 25 plus years . If he says he doesn't know then it will be a mystery . Hope to get his opinion for you :-)
Thanks so much!
OK a expert on Indian dolls agreed that not made by a Indian but more likely by perhaps a boy scout or another project done by kids at camp . The beading is all wrong. could be from 1920's or newer and made to look older than it is. would have to hold to tell age. I hope this helps.
Expert on Indian dolls from Museum says he is not a Indian doll but made by a boy scout or another camp project. Beading is all wrong for it to made by any Indian tribe rather a attempt for a person to make a doll that looked like a Indian . Dates maybe 1920 or 50's hard to tell without holding him . But American made non Indian . No tribe beads like this . Hope this solves it and is likely why no one has responded or did guess that you sent photo's to . Because it was homemade doll .But it is still wonderful !
Thank you for taking the time to help me learn more about this doll. Really appreciate the feedback ... puts me one step closer to solving the mystery. Thanks again (and please thank your friend too)!
your welcome and I agree from start of post beading was not correct to any tribes work. But very interesting and a keeper !
Your doll represents a woman from the Herero tribe in Botswana. This type doll is said to represent fertility to the Herero. Identifiers are the elongated, disproportionate cloth-wrapped body with long legs, wide hips and tiny head. The traditional leather, bead-trimmed outfit preceded the cloth (often patchwork) long dress and wide hat in imitation of European settlers. Most Herero dolls are made wearing the European-style, and Herero women still wear this dress today. If you search "Herero doll Botswana" you will find some examples similar to yours.
Great ID, Two-a, very interesting information. I thought I had seen a doll similar on a doll museum site when I was searching out a doll of mine, and would have tried to find it again, but your ID solves the mystery. :)