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.

Hand made marionette depicting a 'golliwog' character. It was manufactured and operated in Melbourne by Alex and Murray Smith, who performed as part of Le Forgeron Marionettes from 1930 until 1956.

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 are inherently racist.

Physical Description

Marionette depicting a 'gollywog', who is wearing a shiny blue jacket with a wide, navy sash around his waist. His collar is red, and he has a white bow tied around his neck. There are two pearly white buttons down his front and red trousers. His black shoes are painted on. His clothing is in good condition, with little discolouration or holes. His hands and face are painted black, and he has large white circles around his plastic blue eyes.His chin is beginning to disintegrate, although the rest of his face remains intact, despite some slight chipping. The doll retains his hair which is very thick and shaggy. He has a three piece mechanism. There are operating strings attached to numerous parts of him, including his head, limbs and shoulders. The feet have been weighted

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