African-American dolls have long been significant in representing and valuing Black communities’ cultural identity. From the 20th century to the present, their evolution mirrors more significant societal shifts in how Black identity is portrayed and valued. Dolls are probably the oldest known toys in existence. Every human culture has some type of doll to represent the human form.
A doll can be seen as an innocent plaything, a cultural marker, or a work of art. Aside from being children’s playthings, dolls also serve as power objects, representing ancestral figures and are therefore carriers of culture. Often thought to possess magical powers, in some cultures dolls are used in spiritual rituals and rites of passage.
This article delves into the history of vintage African dolls, exploring their origins, cultural significance, and the movements that have shaped their representation over time.
Aku'aba fertility doll from Ghana, West Africa
The Era Before Black Dolls Matter®
Before movements like Black Dolls Matter®, African-American dolls were largely neglected in the toy industry. In the mid-20th century, most dolls were designed with white features, and when Black dolls were produced, they often reflected harmful stereotypes or were simply repainted versions of white dolls. These dolls frequently lacked natural hair textures, skin tones, and cultural accuracy.
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Early Examples and Cultural Context
During the Great Enslavement of Africans in the Americas, dolls were made of rags, nuts, tobacco leaves and corn husks for the enslaved children to play with. Ironically, slave artisans made dolls and other toys for the master’s children as well. The first Black paper doll was produced in 1863 and depicts the figure of Topsy, a “pickaninny” character in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s best-selling novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
Black dolls became very popular in 19th century Europe and spawned an industry of papier mâché and bisque-headed dolls by French and German manufacturers. These dolls were mass produced and often advertised as Black or Mulatto. In the early 20th century, American companies began including Black dolls in their lines. Many African-American parents continued to make “folk” dolls for their children, to combat the negative imagery in commercially-produced dolls.
In the exhibition Dolls: Collections, Stories, Traditions, an issue that Lindo wanted to explore was the under-representation of positive images reflecting the Black experience in the mainstream toy and doll industry, as well as the socio-historical implications of that fact.
| Decade | Key Developments |
|---|---|
| Pre-20th Century | Handmade dolls from rags and natural materials; stereotypical representations in mass-produced dolls. |
| Early 1900s | American companies begin including Black dolls; African-American parents create folk dolls. |
| Mid-20th Century | Limited representation, often reflecting harmful stereotypes. |
A Shift in Representation
The Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power era spurred a growing demand for more authentic representations of Black identity. During the 1960s and 1970s, small businesses and independent creators began producing dolls that better reflected the diversity and dignity of Black culture. Despite these efforts, mainstream toy manufacturers lagged in incorporating diverse dolls into their lines.
In the early 20th century, American companies began including Black dolls in their lines. After WW1, dolls began to be made of more durable materials such as rubber and children could treat them as real babies, bathing them without damaging them.
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By the 1950s and 60s, African-American toy companies began to manufacture Black dolls. Unfortunately until the mid-1960s, it was rare for Black parents to find affordable, positive Black dolls for their children’s special Christmas presents. The manufacturers then began to introduce Black versions of Barbie, Chatty Cathy and Patty Play Pal.
The Black Dolls Matter® Revolution
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Black Dolls Matter® emerged as a crucial force in changing the narrative around African-American dolls. Founded to promote authenticity and self-love, the initiative advocated for the importance of Black dolls in shaping positive identity. Black Dolls Matter® emphasized that true diversity isn’t simply about representation but about fostering empowerment through authenticity.
This movement sparked innovation, with dolls featuring a more comprehensive range of skin tones, natural hair textures, and culturally relevant clothing. In 2020, inspired by the need for equity, inclusion, and representation in toys and storytelling, Mark launched Black Dolls Matter® - a global movement and brand dedicated to creating thoughtfully designed dolls, multicultural toys, and collectible art pieces. Mark believes dolls are more than toys - they are mirrors of identity, keepers of memory, and vessels of healing.
“Through dolls, we tell our stories.
The Enduring Impact
In the years following the Black Dolls Matter® movement, African-American dolls have become symbols of pride and cultural resilience. They celebrate Black culture and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. This shift has prompted greater inclusivity across the toy industry, with dolls now representing various ethnicities, abilities, and body types.
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Super heroes, First Lady, Michele Obama, and miniature DJ. Black action figures also became available around the same time, such as G.I.
Black dolls representing various professions and roles
What Can Be Done as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Is Being Rolled Back in the USA?
As the current political climate sees the rollback of many Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the United States, it’s crucial to understand the ongoing need for representation in all forms of media, including toys.
- Support Independent Creators: Small businesses and independent doll makers remain a significant part of the movement.
- Amplify Black Voices: When DEI efforts are diminishing, the Black Dolls Matter® movement highlights the power of grassroots advocacy.
- Invest in Educational Programs: Encouraging the inclusion of diverse dolls and toys in educational settings empowers the next generation with knowledge and cultural appreciation.
- Engage in Advocacy: Supporting policy changes that promote DEI initiatives within public spaces and corporations can also ensure that representation remains a priority.
Museums and Collections
The Philadelphia Doll museum, founded in 1988, is an educational and cultural resource center dedicated to the preservation of doll history. It houses a collection of over 300 Black dolls and a library that highlights the story of how African people have been perceived throughout the world, through the representation of dolls. The Kimbrough family collection of Afro-Americana, located in Los Angeles, also includes a doll collection; and the Arabella Grayson Collection features 200 years of Black paper dolls, which have been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute.
