Summary

Note: This object is a derogatory depiction of a particular cultural group. Such depictions are not condoned by Museums Victoria which considers them to be racist. Historical distance and context do not excuse or erase this fact.

Handmade 'golliwog' from black nylon fabric. The original 'golliwog' was a character created by Florence Kate Upton in the late 19th century, inspired by a blackface minstrel doll which she found in her aunt's attic. Depicted in Upton's book's as a type of rag doll, the Golliwog dolls were a popular children's toy in North America, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, into the 1960s and were made both commercially and at home.

Golliwogs have fallen out of favour around the world in all kinds of commercial areas, from toys to children's books to foodstuffs as they as they are inherently racist.

Physical Description

Doll made from black nylon fabric - two pieces cut out, sewn together and stuffed. Has hair of black wool, one eye made of two pieces of felt and one consisting of a black plastic button and a piece of felt-like material. Two nostrils stitched in red cotton and a piece of red felt for a mouth. The pattern of fading on the body indicates that the doll was wearing overalls and possibly left out in the sun.

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