In "Black Dolls," Margo Jefferson writes, "They induce a rapture in this viewer. They say: I am black and comely in all conceivable ways. I am varying shades of black, brown and beige. I am decorous, impish, fearsome and wise. They say: I have my vanity. (Gaze on my dark, lustrous eyelashes and smartly-coiffed hair.) They say: I have my griefs. (Count the tears on my cheeks.)” "Black Dolls: Unique African American Dolls, 1850–1930 From the Collection of Deborah Neff” from @radius.books presents over 100 unique handmade African-American dolls. It is believed that African-Americans created these dolls for the children in their lives, including members of their own families and respective communities as well as white children in their charge. Made with scraps of cloth, ribbon and lace, or old socks, and stuffed with wool or cotton, these dolls are full of emotional spirit, their faces embroidered, stitched and painted to express a variety of emotions. Book includes rare vintage photos from the 19th and 20th centuries, showing both black & white children holding, posing or playing w/ their dolls. After 5 years of extensive archival research, the editors found fascinating vernacular photos of black children holding white dolls and white children holding black dolls—but there was not a single image of an African-American person holding a black doll. Essays by Faith Ringgold, Margo Jefferson and Lyle Rexer. @faithringgold @jefferson.margo @lylerexer #blackdolls #africanamericandolls #deborahneffcollection #faithringgold #margojefferson #lylerexer #blackhistory #identity #vintagedolls
