Skip to main content
Collections Menu
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Syrian Female Doll
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Syrian Female Doll

Artifact IDMO 2022.1.5
Object Type Manikin, Teaching
Maker (American, 1935 - 1942)
Dateca. 1935-1942
Mediumdoll: paper (papier-mâché), paint, fabric (cotton), metal, hair, straw, wood
box: wood, varnish, metal, paint, ink, fabric
Dimensionspart a (doll) H 22 1/4 in x W 7 1/2 in x D 6 in (56.5 cm x 19.1 cm x 15.2 cm )
 part b (box) H 23 1/8 in x W 8 1/4 in x D 8 1/2 in (58.7 cm x 21 cm x 21.6 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Works Progress Administration (WPA) visual education doll of a Syrian peasant woman made of papier-mâché and cloth over metal, with painted features and real hair. The doll is wearing a gray shirt with long black sleeves, tied around the waist with a black belt. She is also wearing a light blue, gray, and white striped ankle length skirt under which are two white petticoats and a pair of white pantaloons. Wrapped around her head is a red and white polka dot scarf from which a semi sheer white veil hangs down her back. Her feet are shod in brown shoes. On her head she is carrying a wicker basket filled with oranges. The doll is mounted to a small square wooden base with the number "4" on the front and underside, and "MF.4" on the backside.

b) A custom wood box for the storage of the doll. The tall, narrow varnished box has a hinged front door and a metal handle on the top. Inside the box, a padded blue cushion with ties is attached to the back to provide protection for the doll when stored in the box. Stamped in ink on the exterior underside of the box: ASSISTANCE IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS / MATERIAL WAS FURNISHED BY THE UNITED / STATES WORK PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION / OFFICAL PROJECT NUMBER 9986 [number written in ink]. The same message is stamped on the interior of the box with the number "9986-O" written in.
Historical NoteThis doll was made by a branch of the New Deal’s Works Projects Administration (WPA) Federal Art Project. Dolls were created as educational visual aids by various WPA handicraft and museum extension projects around the country. Ethnic dolls, like this one, were designed to educate children on the different cultures around the world and were made available in educational institutions such as schools and libraries.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Cheryl and Gerald Hale in 2021.
Credit LineGift of Cheryl and Gerald Hale
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesArtifacts Relating to the New Deal (National Archives Identifier 750981)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Not on view