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Golly Misfitz

Card Game
ca. 1905 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Design: chrowmolithographs, on the reverse sides printed in pale green to show british flags and emblems of the monarchy; sets consist of three parts, head, middle and feet of a doll-like figure dress in various costumes including national costumes - each set is named.
There are 48 cards arranged in 16 sets of three; each set being the head, middle and feet of a figure - each set of three is named
list - CHINESE, DINAH, DOLLY, DUTCH DOLL, GOLLIWOG, GRACE DARLING, HOLLANDER, HOUSEMAID, JAPPY, PIERROT, PING-PONG, PUNCH, RED RIDING HOOD, SCOTCH BOY, SOLDIER, SWISS.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 48 parts.

  • Card Game
  • Card Game
  • Card Game
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TitleGolly Misfitz (manufacturer's title)
Physical description
Design: chrowmolithographs, on the reverse sides printed in pale green to show british flags and emblems of the monarchy; sets consist of three parts, head, middle and feet of a doll-like figure dress in various costumes including national costumes - each set is named.
There are 48 cards arranged in 16 sets of three; each set being the head, middle and feet of a figure - each set of three is named
list - CHINESE, DINAH, DOLLY, DUTCH DOLL, GOLLIWOG, GRACE DARLING, HOLLANDER, HOUSEMAID, JAPPY, PIERROT, PING-PONG, PUNCH, RED RIDING HOOD, SCOTCH BOY, SOLDIER, SWISS.
DimensionsSize: 3 5/8in x 2 5/8in
Credit line
Donated by Mrs M. A. Clayton
Historical context
The term golliwog is used here as it is printed on the cards. This character first featured in Bertha and Florence Upton's book 'The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg' (1895) and was based on a toy that reflected the 'Blackface' performance tradition. Towards the end of the 19th century, the character gained popularity and toy makers saw potential. Golly dolls and soft toys were mass produced and the character featured in toys, games and other childhood paraphernalia.
In the second half of the twentieth century, the term 'golliwog' was appropriated as a racial slur, and the character itself was seen as promoting negative stereotypes. From the 1960s onward, the golly has gradually been withdrawn from children's culture.
Production
W. Faulkener
Collection
Accession number
MISC.643:1 to 48-1992

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Record createdMarch 4, 2000
Record URL
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