SOLD Early Home-made Navajo Boudoir Doll

 

One of three unusual cloth dolls that recently came my way, this one is truly unique: a cloth Navajo woman boudoir doll from the 1930s or 1940s — in original condition.

Made without legs and designed to sit but not stand, as many boudoir dolls were, this example wears in a 17” long skirt made from a polished cotton print with bows and flowers. Her tradition blue velvet shirt has long cuffed sleeves and faux silver trim. A necklace made of seed beads and brown silk scarf complete the ensemble, which is sewn to the doll.

As the photos show, she has inked features and hair made of black fabric and a yarn chonga. From head to hem, she’s 26” tall. As for condition, there’s a small tear in the fabric that serves as her hair, and her neck is a bit wobbly. (My solution: a make-do brace that’s hidden by her collar and the chonga.) If you’re an eclectic doll collector as I am, this unusual creature may be for you.

SOLD

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