1930 Brazil Doll

Black Silk 1930 Brazil Doll

This was a mystery doll until earlier this year when I found photos of an identical one published by the Rockefeller Folk Art Center in Williamsburg, VA. Their book Dollhouses Miniature Kitchens, and Shops (1996) contains three photos of the 15 in. cotton stuffed doll with an embroidered face. It was described as being made in Brazil, possibly as late as 1930. A very odd feature was the applied celluloid fingernails on each hand. Not knowing her identity, I made the mistake of removing the nails because they were so “creepy.”

1930 Brazil Doll

1930 Brazil Doll