Dolls are a simple toy for children, but they are also very culturally loaded. There’s Kenneth and Mamie Clark’s infamous 1939 doll experiment where black children were presented an option of a black or white doll, and most chose the white. There are Barbie dolls, which follow a very restrictive beauty standard of tall and slender with straight sleek hair. And there are the many black women making their own dolls in protest of the status quo.
And then there are these dolls. Created by dollmaker Kaye Wiggs and styled by Decifashion, these dolls are notable because they are so realistic and cool. From their broad noses and full lips, to the curly hair and deep brown skin and hip-hop themed attire, the dolls represent a familiar and relatable beauty that is often overlooked. Since being posted to Decifashion’s Instagram account just 3 weeks ago these dolls have become online sensations, even being posted by Rapper Big Boi on his Facebook account.
Take a look for yourself and let us know your thoughts.
What are your thoughts ladies?
Aww those are super cute.
omgeeeeeeee!!!!!!!
i want one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i am not a doll person at all, but i am in love.
Me tooo!! Just so precious!
They’re cute, but why the colored eyes?
Why not? People have eyes of all colors regardless of race or skin tone
Per the dolls–still rare darling.
What’s your definition of rare? As a brown-skinned woman with “colored” eyes, I like that there’s now a representation of darker skin with lighter eyes in doll form. All too often, toy makers only make “light skinned” dolls have “colored” eyes. Humans are diverse creatures, and this is the artist’s take on that. Don’t make it more than it is.
Are you serious? I didnt see a Barbie with brown eyes till I was an adult and Im almost 40.
She’s not making it more than it is. It is what it is: Important enough to notice, and she’s not alone in wanting it either.
“Don’t make it more than it is.”–I didn’t. I just asked a simple question.
Couldn’t agree more. The day I see black (majority) looks hailed as the norm in media and other outlets, and celebrated AS IS instead of ‘stylised’ in some way.….that WILL be the day! I want to see the darkest brown eyes on them, not least because that’s the colour MOST of us have, and I want to see myself, acknowledged and reflected, just as all human beings do, whites included. Nothing to apologise for concerning that either.
One of these dolls looks just like a little girl I know. They’re beautiful.
This artist creates great work. Truly collector’s items.
These dolls are so adorable! One of the main things I love are that they actually have African-American features. There are “black” dolls out there, but there really is no difference other than making a Caucasian doll brown with black/brown hair.
I love them!
omg, yes, the dolls resemble ethnic people, but only because it’s the only face this dumb bitch can sculpt.
By ‘ethnic people’ ? Did you mean ‘black’ people? Ethnic is not another word for the black majority yet the white population have adopted it’s use as yet another term for black — hence the misuse today. It’s irritating to say the least. Any race can be ethnic — White expats living in Spain for example are ‘ethnic minorities’ compared to the Spanish majority. Like the word ‘natives’ the word ‘ethnic’ is in popular use and all to often misused. Makes me cringe a bit every time I see or hear it being misused. Whites have welcomed its usage though… Read more »
Thank you! I find that incredibly irritating! I wouldn’t say that “Whites have welcomed its usage” though, that’s tarring all white people with the same brush. SOME whites have. Many have “just gone with it”, and why shouldn’t they when you have brown people thinking they are “educating” (in fact MIS-educating) them: http://i100.independent.co.uk/article/reporter-compliments-rashida-jones-on-her-tan-im-ethnic-she-replies–gykjLF6Kol
Annoying to no end.
this is the same sculpt, not black.
She still looks black, facial features-wise. lol Albino Black person with a relaxer, is what she looks like to me. Sorry to disappoint you.
They are too adorable!
This thing I rede really happy,I have never seen a black doll in my 25 years of life!
I shared it On Google +. I know I’m way late and I do find this memorizing. It’s about time. Good job.
aww they are so beautiful! I need these. the wu tang sweater and boots are everything too.
I… I want one. It’s so cute!
First dolls to have my round nose, must.acquire.for.kids.now!
Ok, they are NOT for kids. They retail for around $400 or so and you can change the eyes. They’re resin. These are around 16 inches in height. But NOT for kids. They are art pieces basically, and for adults.
WHEN ARE THESE GOING TO BE AVAILABLE