Black Dolls

This book presents over 100 unique handmade African American dolls made between 1850 and 1940 from the collection of Deborah Neff, a Connecticut-based collector and champion of vernacular art. It is believed that African Americans created these dolls the children in their lives, including members of their own families and respective communities as well as white children in their charge. Acquired over the last 25 years, Neff’s renowned collection is considered to be one of the finest of its kind ever to be assembled. 

The dolls portray faithful yet stylized representations of young and old African Americans—playful boys and girls, well-dressed gentlemen, elegant young ladies, and distinguished older men and women. Made with scraps of cloth, ribbon and lace, or old socks, and stuffed with wool or cotton, these unusual dolls are charming and full of emotional spirit. Their faces are embroidered, stitched and painted to express a variety of emotions, each representing a fascinating story of culture and identity in American history. 

The book also features an assortment of rare vintage photographs from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, showing both black and white children holding, posing or playing with their dolls.

In an essay, renowned artist Faith Ringgold addresses the inherent prejudices of this work as well as her personal connection with the medium. Also included are essays by Pulitzer Prize–winning critic Margo Jefferson and writer Lyle Rexer. All photography for the book is by Ellen McDermot.

Black Dolls is part of the AMERICAN ICONS Exhibition Series. Beginning in June 2014 and throughout 2015, the Mingei International Museum mounted a series of exhibitions to celebrate the imagination, inspiration and innovation of Americans who have for more than three centuries created stunning works of folk art, craft and design—our shared American Icons.

Borne of awe for the power of nature, Another Way of Looking at Love seeks to reimagine the power of connection: to one another, to the planet, and to the generative possibilities of the moment.