Description

This Barbie doll is costumed and accessorized as a representation of The Virgin of Caridad del Cobre, Patron Saint of Cuba. The doll wears the ornate blue and gold robe characteristic of the Virgin in other depictions in religious cards, carvings, and statues. The figure has a crown and is holding a baby (Barbie's brother doll), representing the image of Jesus, and an orb and a crucifix. The doll is mounted on a plaster base. Below the doll is a paper boat on painted cloth to represent the sea, with three doll figures on the boat that represent the fishermen lost at sea that the Virgin saves. Three angels are suspended above the boat. Mixed materials including glass, fabric, plastic, gold braid, plaster, paper, paint, and synthetic jewels. Made by Armando Pérez, a man of Cuban descent, living in Hatillo, Puerto Rico, at the time he sold this doll to the Smithsonian.

Location

Currently not on view

Date made

ca 1996-1997

manufacturer

Mattel, Inc.

maker

Perez, Armando

Place Made

Puerto Rico: Arecibo, Hatillo

Physical Description

plastic (overall material)

plaster (overall material)

paper (overall material)

paint (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 100 cm x 47.5 cm x 24 cm; 39 3/8 in x 18 11/16 in x 9 7/16 in

ID Number

1997.0178.01

accession number

1997.0178

catalog number

1997.0178.01

Credit Line

Gift of Ahlborn Fund

subject

Saints

Roman Catholicism

Toys

See more items in

Cultural and Community Life: Ethnic

Religion

Cultures & Communities

Data Source

National Museum of American History