Handmade FOLK ART Black Americana Doll Circa Early 20th Century

This handmade Black Americana ART DOLL measures approximately 4 1/4" in height excluding his hat. His head is crafted from a buckeye nut and his feet from pine cone scales, and his face is painted by the artist. His bright overalls are made from a red flower-pattern fabric and a green shirt is worn underneath. He holds a walking stick/cane, and his head is covered with a felt hat. This vintage doll from the early 20th century is a interesting piece of Black American and folk art.

About Black Americana:  Black Americana treasures reflect African American history and its struggle against racial injustice. Opinion is divided on whether to preserve these artifacts, as some believe it prolongs racist attitudes while others see it as a way to educate future generations on the importance of tolerance and social justice.

Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Spike Lee, and Anita Pointer (lead singer of the singing group, the Pointer Sisters), all collect Black Memorabilia, Lee used some of his objects in his movie Bamboozled. One of the largest collectors of Black Americana is Dr. David Pilgrim, who donated his large collection to Ferris University to found the Jim Crow Museum.

Dr. Pilgrim used a poignant quote to sum up the purpose of these artifacts: “Use items of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.”

For more information and to better understand Black Americana, visit the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University.