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Black bottle doll ca. 1880 in fancy clothing with photograph of maker in same clothing
Black bottle doll ca 1880 in fancy clothing with photograph of maker in similar cloting
Black bottle doll ca 1880 in fancy clothing with photograph of maker in similar clothing
Black bottle doll ca 1880 in fancy clothing with photograph of maker in similar clothing
Black bottle doll in fancy clothing ca. 1880 with photograph of maker in similar clothing
Black bottle doll ca 1880 in fancy clothing with photograph of maker in similar clothing

A Black bottle doll with attitude!  She's dressed to the nines in the finery of the late 1800s.  The skirt fabric is a knit embellished with hand-strung beads.  The silk jacket is hand sewn.  More beading and an ample lace collar top the jacket.  She is holding a reticule purse with the beading and a tassel.  Embroidered face, including teeth.  To top it off is a wonderful hat with beading and a brightly colored tassel on top.  Along with this doll is an early photograph of the woman, presumably the maker of this doll, in the same outfit, documenting that she made this doll in her own image.  This is a rare and wonderful piece of Black American culture.  13.5" tall.

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