Golly Doll
The golly doll is a racist, anti-black caricature creared by
British-American author Florence Kate Uptonduring the onset of the
Jim Crow laws which mandated racial segregation in the American
South. The dolls are clothed to resemble black-faced minstrels that
were widespread throughout North America and Europe, and had
dehumanising features such thick lips, unruly kinky hair, and paws
for hands and feet. These features are consistent with the 19th and
20th century tendency to represent black people through the
destructive model of biological racism. The image of the doll was
used commonly in advertisements and in commercial use, such as
Robertson's preserves.
The dolls were intended as children's toys, and provided
children with an early socialisation into the adult world of race
relations. However, the doll was more than a toy; it reinforced
offensive societal opinions and normalised these beliefs.
Future Museum displays this object with the hope that by
recognising the racism history that proliferates the past, we may
help to bring about a more thoughtful and aware future.
Object no :
EATOY064n
Collection :
Creator :
NA
Place of Production :
NA
Dimensions :
NA
Materials :
NA
Location :
NA
Accession number :
NA
Copyright :
East Ayrshire Council