Question 1

Why are kachina dolls called dolls?

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls are called dolls because their size and shape makes them resemble dolls. However, the figurines produced by the Hopi indigenous people have spiritual meaning and are used for religious purposes not as toys. On 1stDibs, shop a range of kachina dolls.

Question 2

What is a cage doll?

Accepted Answer

A cage doll, also called a Santos doll, is a doll that was used to create an altar in the home, especially in areas that did not have their own priest. These European dolls often resemble a religious figure, like Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary or a saint. The body is typical of a doll, while the base is a frame that looks like a cage. Shop an array of vintage cage dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is a Ndebele doll?

Accepted Answer

A Ndebele doll is a type of colorful doll produced by the Ndebele people of Southern Africa. Traditionally, a man will place one outside of a woman's hut when he wishes to marry her. If she accepts the proposal, she takes the doll inside and gives it a name. Shop a range of Ndebele dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is a fertility doll?

Accepted Answer

Akua'ba (also spelled Akwaba or Akuba) are wooden fertility dolls from Southern Ghana and the surrounding regions. These dolls are traditionally carried on the backs of young ladies who are trying to have a child or who want to ensure that the child they are carrying is attractive. Shop a variety of fertility dolls from 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is a pincushion doll?

Accepted Answer

A pincushion doll, or half doll, is a porcelain figurine from the late 19th century. The top half was a doll resembling a woman, and the bottom half was a pincushion made to look like her skirt. On 1stDibs, find a collection of pincushion dolls from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 6

What is a geisha doll?

Accepted Answer

Geisha dolls are sculptural representations of geishas, which refers to a class of Japanese female entertainers. Geishas are women with training in various Japanese arts, including singing, dancing and poetry. They typically wear ornately decorated silk dresses and makeup that makes their faces appear very pale.

Question 7

What is a Kewpie doll worth?

Accepted Answer

A kewpie doll’s worth is determined by its size and material used. A 10-inch Kewpie with a bisque head, composition body, and glass eyes is worth $6,500 while a 20-inch doll is valued at $20,000. Many of the original, small-sized German-produced bisque Kewpies range from $200–$500. Check out the different Kewpie dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 8

When were wind up dolls invented?

Accepted Answer

There are legends and evidence of wind-up toys and sculptures dating back to antiquity, but modern wind-up dolls were being made in large quantities by the 19th century. Shop a collection of antique wind-up toys from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 9

What is a Santos cage doll?

Accepted Answer

A Santos cage doll is a type of Santos doll that has a cage below the torso, while the torso and head are shaped like a doll. Santos dolls originated in the 17th and 18th centuries as carvings of saints, and are beloved by collectors worldwide today. Shop a collection of antique Santos cage dolls on 1stDibs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 10

What do kachina dolls symbolize?

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls symbolize good health and prosperity. Giving one as a gift is a way of showing that you wish good things for a person. In addition, the Hopi believe they link physical and spiritual worlds. You'll find a range of kachina dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 11

How do I identify a Skookum doll?

Accepted Answer

To identify Skookum dolls, first study their faces. The faces of the dolls always seem to look off to the side. Some have a label that says "Skookum Bully Good" on one foot. On 1stDibs, shop a range of expertly vetted Skookum dolls.

Question 12

What is the meaning of kokeshi dolls?

Accepted Answer

The meaning of the term "kokeshi dolls” refers to Japanese dolls carved out of wood. Typically, the dolls depict men or women. You can easily identify them by their round heads and cylindrical armless bodies. On 1stDibs, find a range of kokeshi dolls.

Question 13

Are Kewpie dolls valuable?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some Kewpie dolls are valuable. Size and materials largely determine their value, with large dolls that feature bisque heads, composition bodies and glass eyes being those most highly sought after by collectors. The condition of a doll and its age will also impact how much it's worth. To get an estimate of the value of a particular doll, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antiques dealer. Explore a collection of Kewpie dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How do the Popovy sisters make their dolls?

Accepted Answer

To make their dolls, the Popovy sisters create molds and then fill them with a blend of polyurethane and porcelain. Then, they assemble the dolls, paint them by hand and apply hair made out of natural silk or wool. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Popovy Sisters art.

Question 15

What are Native American dolls called?

Accepted Answer

There are a wide array of different dolls made by the various tribes of Native American peoples. Some of the most well-known are the kachinas made by the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo peoples. Shop an array of Native American dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 16

What is the symbolic meaning of a kachina doll?

Accepted Answer

Kachina dolls are often given as gifts of hope, abundance and wealth. Each Kachina has its own attributes and the dolls are meant to represent those characteristics. Find a collection of vintage and modern Kachina dolls on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How much is a vintage Barbie doll worth?

Accepted Answer

Vintage Barbie dolls can sell for up to $25,000 at auction. The most popular vintage Barbies are from the 1960s.

Question 18

How much is a Shirley Temple doll worth today?

Accepted Answer

What a Shirley Temple doll is worth depends on its age and condition. Shirley Temple dolls from 1957 sell for a lot more than Shirley Temple dolls from the late 1960s and early 1970s. The dolls from 1957 cost around $100 on average. The price difference is influenced by the size, outfit, condition, and whether or not the original packaging is still present. Find a range of antique and vintage toys on 1stDibs.

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