item details
Overview
This plastic doll depicts a girl with a flower behind her ear, a garland around her neck and a fibre skirt around her waist.
Significance
This doll and many others like it are one the enduring images of the Pacific Islands. It is also a stereotype, often associated with images of the “island belle” or dusky maiden that for decades have circulated around the world in postcards, photography, films paintings and even plastic dolls.
The origins of this doll are unknown. It may have been made in the 1950 or 60s as this was the period when air and sea travel opened the Pacific region up to increasing numbers of tourists.
Mass produced plastic “Island dolls” were one of many souvenirs that appealed to tourists’ desire for the romantic and exotic. They were small portable keepsakes that they carried home as mementos of their travels and adventures.
Acquisition history
This doll was purchased at auction in 2007.