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Barbie Dressed as La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre

Barbie Dressed as La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre

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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
Object Name
doll
Date made
ca 1996-1997
manufacturer
Mattel, Inc.
maker
Perez, Armando
Place Made
Puerto Rico: Hatillo, 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
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Comments

"This is a very creative and beautiful piece of art. Besides it shows the profound faith and love catholics have for our Mother and Mother of Christ, the Holy Virgin Mary. Congratulations to this talented Cuban- Puerto Rican artist, Armando Perez-Alfonzo."

Manuel

Fri, 2013-07-19 10:27

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