Description: Set of 2 Vintage 1950s Skookum Native American Dolls These two rare vintage Native American figurines are referred to as Skookum dolls, which were designed and created in 1916 by a white woman, Mary McAboy from Montana, who in early 1900 began by marketing apple head dolls dressed in costume to represent Native American tribes such as the Chinook, Pueblo, Sioux, Apache and Chippewa. The dolls' apple heads were later produced out of composition material and then of celluloid plastic heads by the 1950s. "Skookum" is a word in the Chinook/Siwash language that means "excellent.” The adult doll is typical of Skookum dolls created in the 1950s. She has no arms, but has a red shirt and is wrapped in a felt wool blanket with a Native American design. Her face is celluloid plastic and her long black hair is made of mohair and held in place in the front with a wide band. She sports a large bead necklace, has printed pants, and plastic legs and shoes. The bottom of her shoes reads: “Trade mark Reg Skookum Bully Good Indiana Patented USA.” She measures 6.5 inches tall. The baby Skookum doll on a cradleboard was a type of souvenir sold in US national parks and other vendors that was designed to be sent in the mail. A paper tag was attached to the doll's that read, for instance, “Greetings from Yellowstone Park”. This doll measures 4 inches tall, she is wrapped in a plaid blanket, has a headband, her head is also made of celluloid. The back of the cradleboard reads "made in Hong Kong." People sometimes wonder why the eyes of Skookum dolls focus either to the right or left, but never straight ahead. The explanation: many Native American tribes believe that you should never look someone straight in the eye, because doing so means you are either insulting them, do not believe them, or are trying to capture their soul. Dolls have been maintained in a smoke-free, pet-free household.
Price: 50 USD
Location: Evansville, Indiana
End Time: 2024-12-01T17:45:57.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Culture: Native American: US
Handmade: Yes
