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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Argentinian Male Doll
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Argentinian Male Doll

Artifact IDMO 2022.1.14
Object Type Manikin, Teaching
Possible Maker (American, 1935 - 1942)
Dateca. 1935-1942
Mediumpaper (papier-mâché), paint, fabric (cotton)
Dimensionsoverall H 14 1/2 in x W 7 in x D 4 1/4 in (36.8 cm x 17.8 cm x 10.8 cm )
Physical DescriptionA Works Progress Administration (WPA) visual education doll of an Argentinian man dressed as a gaucho. Made of papier-mâché and cloth, with painted features, the doll is wearing a white shirt, a blue jacket with a red and green border of embroidered flowers, and loose-fitting white trousers (bombachas) beneath an embroidered gray chiripá held on with a belt (tirador). A white fabric tag sewn to the underside of his chiripá has the typed words "Argentina Original." He is also outfitted with a brimmed black gaucho (or bolero) hat, a yellow neckerchief, and black boots. Hanging from his right wrist is a whip (rebenque).
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