ELLA DOLL "Mammie" Signed and Numbered 221 by Vonnie Staton Circa 1986

A signed and numbered VONNIE STATON ELLA DOLL called "Mammie." The body of the 16” tall doll is stuffed muslin and her head, hands and boots appear to be hand sculptured and hand painted resin. 

Ella is dressed in a green ankle length dress and green and beige checkered bib apron; inside the beige squares are tiny hearts.  Under her dress, she wears a half-slip with a ruffled edge.  She wears a straw hat and carries a wooden bucket filled with apples. The doll is in good condition other than some fading to her dress.

The artist has signed the doll on her lower leg.

Historical Context & Content Notice

This item reflects imagery and themes that were produced during periods of racial inequality in the United States. Such objects often contain harmful stereotypes that are offensive today. They are presented here for historical documentation and educational purposes only, not as an endorsement of the views they depict.

Museums and scholars emphasize the importance of preserving and contextualizing this material to better understand the history of racism and its impact. This approach is informed by institutions such as the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University, which uses artifacts of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.