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Antique North American Slave dolls: a group of four dolls: 1:…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
27-Mar-2022
Lot No.
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Description:
Antique North American Slave dolls: a group of four dolls: 1: female; 58 cm tall, cotton dress, leather arms, lace petticoats, astrakhan wool hair, detachable velvet and ribbon hat, 2: male; 47 cm tall, cotton body, woollen leggings, button eyes, real leather boots, 3: farm worker (male?); 66 cm tall, cotton body in blue check (gingham) clothes, stuffed with newspaper; child's socks, corncob arms, 4: female; 31 cm tall; fine lace dress, cotton body, chamois boots, crocheted hair, this remarkable group of antique slave dolls was once owned by Australian artist, Sir Sidney Nolan. They are accompanied by a letter (copy) from lady Nolan, dated April 2002 in which she explains that their earlier provenance was that her late husband had acquired them from Lord Alistair McAlpine of West green. Lady Nolan, in turn, gifted them to Damien Smith. Made in America during the second half of the 19th century, these dolls are created from an array of period fabrics and assorted 'make do' materials, cast-off baby boots, press studs and disused corn husks all find a use.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified