Native American Skookum doll

Manufactured Doll

-

Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society

According to https://ciscosgallery.com/blogs/library/what-are-skookum-dolls "The eyes were painted on and focused to either the right or left, never straight ahead. This is because many tribes believe that you should never look someone straight in the eye. Doing so means you are either insulting them, do not believe them, or are trying to capture their soul. "

According to https://ciscosgallery.com/blogs/library/what-are-skookum-dolls "The eyes were painted on and focused to either the right or left, never straight ahead. This is because many tribes believe that you should never look someone straight in the eye. Doing so means you are either insulting them, do not believe them, or are trying to capture their soul. "

Name/Title

Native American Skookum doll

Entry/Object ID

2023.18.08

Description

Fabric doll with composite-material molded head in the form of a Native American adult with two braids made of hair. The doll is dressed in an orange and white shirt under an orange, green and tan-colored blanket robe that gives the impression of arms and hands. The doll's wooden dowel legs are covered in fringed, felt leggings and painted shoes. The body of the doll is muslin stuffed with wood shavings.

Context

This doll is likely a Skookum doll. The shoes suggest it was manufactured between 1918 and 1924. Skookum dolls were originally produced by Mary McAboy, who later partnered with H.H. Tammen Co. of Denver, Colorado. This doll was created by non-indigenous people for the souvenir market in the American West.

Collection

0001 Anishinabek/Ojibwe/Odawa/Bodéwadmi

Cataloged By

Winthers, Sally

Acquisition

Accession

2023.18

Acquisition Method

Found in Collection

Made/Created

Date made

circa 1918 - circa 1924

Dimensions

Height

18 in

Hair

Color

Black

Type

Human Hair

Condition

Scale

C-3: Damaged

Location

Box

186 Americana

Create Date

June 15, 2023

Update Date

June 16, 2023