Name/Title
Arnette JosieDescription
This is JOSIE a black folk art doll by Arnett's Country Store. The original of this doll was carved by Maynard Arnett, this has been reproduced in wood resin and hand painted. The clothes have been aged to look old. Arms and legs are filled with pellets, and she measures 18 inches long . Her torso is weighted to enable her to sit comfortably. This folk art doll is in good condition, "Limited edition" Josie of 4,000 and is signed on her back. *****
Maynard Arnett was a master woodcarver who lived in Arkansas in the 20th century. One of his most popular works is the Farm Kids series of dolls, which features African American children from the 1900s to 1920s time period. He would carve the original dolls in wood and then a limited edition run of 500 reproductions done in resin would be made from that original.These reproduction dolls are HIGHLY collectible and very appealing. They are cute but not cloyingly sweet; they look like real kids. They are stuffed and weighted to have a hefty, substantial feel, and their clothes are "faux-aged" with various techniques such as dyeing the fabrics with tea to give them a stained, weathered look like a well-loved doll from 100 years ago.The Farm Kids dolls are nostalgic but since they were created decades after the time period they depict, they do not fall into the pitfalls of either racism or over-sentimentality common to the past. Again, they seem like real kids. Some wear rugged clothes as if to do chores or play, and others like this doll you see here are dressed up as if to go to church. All are issued with tags that serve as a Certificate of Authenticity (see photos), and have an "MA" for "Maynard Arnett" carved on their heads. All have their number in their series inked on their bodies in c