Created by
Unidentified
Owned by
Colison, Helen Drew, American, 1907 - 2004
Date
ca. 1915
Medium
cotton (fiber) with metal
Dimensions
H x W x D: 15 3/4 × 12 5/8 × 2 3/8 in. (40 × 32 × 6 cm)
Caption
This doll belonged to Helen Drew Colison (10/24/1907 - 1/16/2004), a white woman born and raised in Washington, DC. The family believes that either Helen's mother or father gave her the doll when she was between 7 and 10 years old, sometime between 1914 and 1917. The doll's creator and the history of its origins are unknown.
This doll is based on the real-life stereotypes of 19th century African American women, identified as “Mammies,” and seen as loyal servants whose primary responsibilities would have been the care of the white children and other household duties.
Description
A canvas doll in the form of a stereotypical "Mammy" character owned by a white child.
This hand-sewn doll is constructed of a stuffed, rough cotton canvas material in dark brown. She wears a bright shawl above her oat-colored three-quarter sleeve shirt and long plaid skirt and a plaid headscarf. Her facial features are hand-painted large dark eyes, a wide nose and smile. She still has one bronze-colored hoop earring attached to her proper left ear. Her ankles are taped and she is depicted as having black (canvas painted) shoes.
Statement
Objects depicting racist and/or stereotypical imagery or language may be offensive and disturbing, but the NMAAHC aims to include them in the Collection to present and preserve the historical context in which they were created and used. Objects of this type provide an important historical record from which to study and evaluate racism.
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Classification
Toys and Games
Racist and Stereotypical Objects
Type
dolls
Topic
Caricature and cartoons
Children
Play
Stereotypes
Women
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Helen D. Colison
Object number
2021.34
Restrictions & Rights
No known copyright restrictions
Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5944232b7-30e7-490f-935d-59b748f6907f

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

Share this page