History of Topsy Turvy Dolls

The topsy turvy doll represents an interesting chapter in toy folklore. These dual-identity dolls came equipped with two heads and were dressed in long, full skirts. When the skirt was pulled down, it concealed the other head and gave the appearance of a normal doll. If the child wished to play with the toy's alter ego, she simply pulled the skirt up, and the second doll was revealed.

Features

These stuffed dolls were usually made of cotton fabrics and included a reversible skirt made of calico. A head, torso, and set of arms were constructed at each end of the doll. Legs were generally not featured.

History

These dolls dated back to before the Civil War and originated on Southern plantations. Earliest examples featured a white doll on one end and a black doll on the other.

Theories/Speculation

A number of theories surround these unusual double-ended dolls. They may have been given as playthings to white plantation children who used the toys to act out the roles of slave and master. Other theories suggest that slave children were not allowed to play with black dolls and therefore kept the toy's dual identity a secret during public play.

Types

In addition to black and white dolls, dolls were created to showcase a variety of opposing themes from rich and poor, country and city, old and young, pretty and ugly.

Potential

The great potential for storytelling that these dolls offered resulted in dolls that featured characters from popular fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood or Cinderella.

Fun facts

Another interesting example of this toy is the Pennsylvania hex doll. Featuring the head of a human on one end and the head of a pig on the other, these dolls were believed to possess the ability to cast a spell or remove a pesky wart.

Considerations

There are a number of modern and vintage patterns available for anyone who wishes to create her own topsy turvy doll.

Resources

• Historical doll information and resources