Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Trinidadian Male Doll
Artifact IDMO 2022.1.12
Object Type
Manikin, Teaching
Possible Maker
WPA Alabama Visual Education Project
(American, 1935 - 1942)
Dateca. 1935-1942
Mediumpaper (papier-mâché), paint, fabric (cotton, oilcloth)
Dimensionsoverall H 13 3/4 in x W 6 in x D 3 1/2 in (34.9 cm x 15.2 cm x 8.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Works Progress Administration (WPA) visual education doll of a Trinidadian male. Made of papier-mâché, cloth, and oilcloth, with painted features, the doll is wearing a white cotton kurta top and a white cotton dhoti bottom. A white fabric tag sewn to the interior of the kurta has the typed word "Trinidad." The word "Trinidad" is also written in pencil on his chest. On his head is a removable white cotton turban.
Historical NoteThis doll was made by a Birmingham, Alabama branch of the New Deal’s Works Projects Administration (WPA), possibly the WPA Alabama Visual Education 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 StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view