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The History of Early American Rag Doll Toys

The History of Early American Rag Doll Toys thumbnail
Rag dolls have been a favorite of American girls since the 19th century.

Rag dolls were popular throughout Europe and Colonial America. The term "rag doll" is used to describe any doll made primarily from fabric, according to the Connecticut Doll Artists website.

  1. Construction

    • Historically, rag dolls were handmade by a mother and given to her child. Rag dolls were often preferred over the more expensive dolls of the late 19th century. Girls preferred homemade dolls because they could play with the dolls rather than just collect them.

    Purpose

    • In addition to providing girls with a plaything, rag dolls were often created to help young girls learn sewing skills. Sewing dolls featured pockets which held sewing notions such as thread and thimbles.

    Manufacturing

    • Rag dolls were first manufactured commercially in the 1850s, according to the Sedona Antiques website. In America, rag doll manufacturing gave way to leather, rubber and papier-mache doll making following the Civil War.

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References

  • Photo Credit girl with doll image by NiDerLander from Fotolia.com

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