A carved and painted wooden doll

Details
A carved and painted wooden doll
in Moroccan costume, with stout tow-stuffed cloth body and glass eyes, the head, hands and feet with elaborate red and black painted tattoos and body paint, in original parti-coloured silk tunic, cherry silk undercoat, blue, white, pink and metal thread petticoat, embroidered scarf, black silk leggings, linen shift, elaborate long tasselled headdress and separate embroidered muslin sleeves - 16in. 41cm. high, Moroccan, 19th century

Lot Essay

The bi-coloured tunic was probably introduced into the Maghreb by Andalusian refugees. These wide embroidered separate sleeves are found on adult Moroccan Jewish costumes as are the spiral decorations on either side of the front opening of the tunic.
The quality of the carving and general construction of the doll is similar to that of crêche figures from Europe and was possibly imported undressed.

More from DOLLS AND TEDDY BEARS

View All
View All