19th and 20th Century Baby Dolls

Dolls and human-like figurines have been around since ancient times (Greece/Egypt/Rome/Mesopotamia) and were an integral part of daily life for people of all ages and backgrounds. Dolls, even dating back thousands of years, were adorned just as humans would have been, wearing things such as miniature rings, jewels, and sometimes even removable clothing matching clothes of the time period. It is believed that dolls were primarily used as a way for young girls might have used to learn about their own bodies and to practice dressing themselves. 

These toys carried strong messages about girls’ expected roles in society. Like modern Barbies, they mirrored the body ideals and beauty standards of the time. Because they resembled adult women, they were likely intended to help young girls contemplate their future roles as well as educate them as they grew. 

The dolls found on site were likely bisque dolls which are identified by a peachy skin color and matte finish. The dolls likely date to around the 19th century and some of the fragments on site suggest creation in Sonneburg, Germany.