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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA
Sitting Female Doll
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA

Sitting Female Doll

Artifact IDMO 63.2432
Object Type Doll
Date 1900-1962
Gifter
Maker
Place MadeIndia, Asia
Medium Clay, silk, rayon, sequins, metal
DimensionsOverall H 7 3/4 in x W 7 3/4 in x D 5 in (19.7 cm x 19.7 cm x 12.7 cm)
Physical DescriptionFemale doll from India with plaster body in the seated position. She wears an orange and gold tunic-like top, matching long pants and a wide scarf, gold and silver jewelry (nose ring, bangles, toe ring). Her hands and feet are hennaed.
Historical NoteThe doll is dressed in a salwar kameez (a traditional garment worn by women in the Punjab regions of India and Pakistan) comprised of a long tunic top and long flowing pants. She also wears a wide scarf known as a dupatta over the head. The doll is identified as a bride by the maang tikka worn on the forehead and the nath (nose ring) in her left nostril, both of which symbolize marital status.

The popularity of the salwar kammez rose in the 20th century as Indian women sought a more functional garment than the complexly draped sari.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was a gift from a member of the general public to the President and Mrs. Kennedy received by the Executive Office of the President betwen 1961-1963 and held by the General Service Administration until it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Public (National Archives Identifier 1676966)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibitions
Not on view