Handmade "Mammy" doll

Object Details

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.

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Helen D. Colison

Restrictions & Rights: No known copyright restrictions; Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Place used: Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Classification: Toys and Games; Racist and Stereotypical Objects

Topic: African American; Caricature and cartoons; Children; Play; Stereotypes; Women