Doll

This much adored doll was given to Angela Esson nee Petrie-Jones when she was about 2 years old. It was intended as a gift to comfort her while her father served overseas during World War II. 

This type of doll was popular during the depression and war years. It is made of composition, a mix of hard wearing but cheap materials, which made it more affordable.

The doll's clothing were all hand-made by Angela's mother and grandmother. They carefully crafted the doll’s wardrobe while sharing a house during the war. All of the clothes were made from recycled materials, wool remnants or handkerchief linen.

Angela named the doll 'Nigger' which was a name commonly given to dark coloured dolls and pets in the mid-twentieth century. It represents a period in time when this word was socially acceptable to some. Te Papa does not condone this word, but we note it here because it demonstrates the range of historical contexts in which racist language and images were used.