Welcome to the world in miniature.
What was it like? What did we look like, wear, eat, discuss? What were the trends in art,
architecture, music and literature of the time? What were the issues that consumed us?
Come visit as three generations, represented by dolls of the time, spend Sunday afternoon at
grandma's.
This site is a work in progress. It represents an effort to view the development of culture in
context. As the site develops, the dolls are introduced individually. Information on the components
of culture specific to a time and place will be added. Then three generations will share their
perspectives of their own culture and that of the expanding world to provide insight into the forces
that shaped the past, influence the present and create the future.
The site is organized by time periods. For each time period, the dolls are introduced. The dolls
could be studied with front back and side views of the head, bodice, body and dress. An overview of
the cultural changes of the time is presented. By clicking on each doll, additional views of the doll
can be studied. More specific information regarding the cultural milieu of the doll and its world is
added. Finally, doll "families" are presented with generational perspective on the current events
of the time.
What was it like? What did we look like, wear, eat, discuss? What were the trends in art,
architecture, music and literature of the time? What were the issues that consumed us?
Come visit as three generations, represented by dolls of the time, spend Sunday afternoon at
grandma's.
This site is a work in progress. It represents an effort to view the development of culture in
context. As the site develops, the dolls are introduced individually. Information on the components
of culture specific to a time and place will be added. Then three generations will share their
perspectives of their own culture and that of the expanding world to provide insight into the forces
that shaped the past, influence the present and create the future.
The site is organized by time periods. For each time period, the dolls are introduced. The dolls
could be studied with front back and side views of the head, bodice, body and dress. An overview of
the cultural changes of the time is presented. By clicking on each doll, additional views of the doll
can be studied. More specific information regarding the cultural milieu of the doll and its world is
added. Finally, doll "families" are presented with generational perspective on the current events
of the time.
Through the Eyes of a Child
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The Graham Children By William
Hogarth 1740
Hogarth 1740
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Why the DOLL as a focus?
"The study of dolls is the study of mankind"--Lord Thomas Babbington Macauley
Dolls can represent many things from the simple toy of a child to an artifact of the culture and time
which created it. The study of dolls presents clues to the technology of a time; the fashions of the period;
the social role of the child; and the philosophical views of childhood at a point in time. These in turn
influence the policy of a culture in everything from medicine and education to technology and social
mores. By placing the doll in context of the customs, arts and politics of a period, the society's view of
the child comes to focus. Much has been studied about the role of various groups in a culture, such as
the role of women in society, but little organized study has been produced of the role of children in a
culture.
This is, in part, due to the fact that children generally have no legal standing and are often viewed as
powerless. While they have no direct influence on a culture, the indirect influences are substantial. This
site provides a view of society through the eyes of a child of its time.
The data sources for the site include:
The first 5 data sources largely provide a perspective the adult sets for the child's view. This last source
of data, while the hardest to find, is the closest view of the world through the eyes of a child and as such
has the greatest weight.
DOLLS
Dolls have originally been made for many purposes including protective or fertility symbols, marketing,
comfort and artistic expression.
ART, MUSIC, AND LITERATURE
PHILOSOPHY
PUBLIC POLICY
TRADITIONS
WORKS BY CHILDREN
"The study of dolls is the study of mankind"--Lord Thomas Babbington Macauley
Dolls can represent many things from the simple toy of a child to an artifact of the culture and time
which created it. The study of dolls presents clues to the technology of a time; the fashions of the period;
the social role of the child; and the philosophical views of childhood at a point in time. These in turn
influence the policy of a culture in everything from medicine and education to technology and social
mores. By placing the doll in context of the customs, arts and politics of a period, the society's view of
the child comes to focus. Much has been studied about the role of various groups in a culture, such as
the role of women in society, but little organized study has been produced of the role of children in a
culture.
This is, in part, due to the fact that children generally have no legal standing and are often viewed as
powerless. While they have no direct influence on a culture, the indirect influences are substantial. This
site provides a view of society through the eyes of a child of its time.
The data sources for the site include:
- dolls and some toys original to a given time period.
- original art, music and literature pertinent to a given time
- philosophy in context of the time
- public policy of the time and place
- traditions of the time and place including child rearing practices, holidays, meals
- and, where possible, actual work by the child of the time.
The first 5 data sources largely provide a perspective the adult sets for the child's view. This last source
of data, while the hardest to find, is the closest view of the world through the eyes of a child and as such
has the greatest weight.
DOLLS
Dolls have originally been made for many purposes including protective or fertility symbols, marketing,
comfort and artistic expression.
ART, MUSIC, AND LITERATURE
PHILOSOPHY
PUBLIC POLICY
TRADITIONS
WORKS BY CHILDREN