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In 1918 Evelyn Berry and Victoria Ross started a doll company called Berry & Ross. These two women were the first African American female large-scale manufacturers of black composition dolls. Considered trailblazers within their community, Berry and Ross opened their doll factory at 36-38 West 135th Street in Harlem, New York. 

Retailers in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and other cities carried the Berry and Ross Dolls in their department stores. The company also sold dolls in Africa, a Berry and Ross doll sold for 29 cents to $3.50 for a 16-inch Doris with long flowing curls. The dolls were appealing to black and white children.

In the ‘1919 Ad in Crisis," a magazine for the NAACP Magazine, Sherry Howard wrote about the Berry & Ross Dolls, stating that "Berry's famous brown skin dolls was designed and made by colored girls in a factory owned and controlled by colored people." Howard continues, "These dolls are not the old-time, black face, red lip Aunt Jemima colored dolls but dolls well-made and truly representative of the race in hair and features." #BerryandRoss  #blackhistorymonth#blackownedcompanies #blackhistory #blackmakers #blackmakers #HarlemWorld #HarlemHistory #blackcreators #ourhistory #americanhistory #blackownedbusiness #blackwomenownedbusiness

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The Black Doll Exhibit

Today I went on an excursion to the Black Doll Exhibit at the New-York Historical Society Museum and Library. A few weeks ago, a couple of friends suggested I go, but I was preparing for the Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington DC. I promised myself to attend the exhibit once I returned home.

As soon as I entered the exhibit, I became emotional as I saw dolls that survived past a century; These dolls span a tumultuous time in American history, between the 1850s and the 1940s. One of the first handmade dolls I saw was a tall statuesque doll with dark skin and a light blue dress. I just admired the craftsmanship and beauty of the doll, which could have been made in the late 1880s. Making my way further into the exhibit. I learned that the dolls were handmade and sold to raise money for the Union Soldiers during The Civil War. Cynthia Walker Hill, an abolitionist from Providence, Rhode Island, made a male doll with a three-prong slave collar around his neck. The doll was meant to depict the horrors of slavery.

I also took a moment to view the wall of photos of white and black children carrying their dolls amid Jim Crow, the segregation of blacks and whites. You can see white children carefully coddling their black dolls. One photograph showed a child having a tea party while her white dolls were sitting. The black one was standing. The child could have been recreating the roles she witnessed in her household. It was a solemn moment for me when I began to read stories of how these black women made dolls for their children and the white children they cared for; when you think about it, the dolls may have offered comfort for black children, especially during slavery, due to not having the choice to be treated as a child, the doll may have served the purpose of play, and for white children, the black doll may have been a reminder of their Black caregiver.

'Nothing should be thrown away, so long as it is possible to make any use of it, however trifling that use may be'. - Lyda Maria Child, The Frugal Housewife,1838.

Early doll makers repurposed materials such as feed sacks, coconut shells, sawdust, and socks. Leo Moss a handyman from Macon, Georgia would take home scraps of wallpaper to papier-mâché and sculpt layers onto the dolls. He would remake the hair and tint the skin with boot dye. He wanted the dolls to resemble himself and his family members.

As I left the exhibit, I learned from the past and that I am an extension of these remarkable women who made these beautiful dolls. Like them, I want my dolls to tell you their stories.

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I am finally happy to share that Shop Volta has been chosen to showcase my handcrafted dolls at the 40th Annual Smithsonian Craft Show in Washington, DC. Since 2017, I have been making my dolls and as an artist and businesswoman, to be recognized and accepted at such a prestigious event is an honor. I will be sharing more details as we get closer to the date.

Love and Peace

#shopvoltabk

#smithsonian

#smithsoniancraftshow

#clothdollshandmade

#clothdollsrtistry

#blackcreators

#AFRICANCRAFTS

#africancraftsmanship

#blackhandmade

#womanceo

#SHOPBEDSTUY

#furnish

#heirloompiece

#heirloomsewing

#beautifulhomeinspo

#handmadebrooklyn

#giftoflove

#giftsforfriends

#blackownedbiz

#blackcreated

#blackcrafters

#africanamericanart

#blackmade

#wemaketoo

#craftmom

#africantextiles

#brooklyncraft

#fiberartists

#artdolls

#coilygirls

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It hurts when someone has left too soon. Prayers to his entire family. Rest In Peace brother❤️ @bkbmg artwork done by @afranks3 #brooklynmade (at Bedford-Stuyvesant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTiUsJmpPUY/?utm_medium=tumblr

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View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Designer•Artist•Doll Maker (@shopvoltabk)

Yesterday was absolutely amazing at The Thrill Market. It was great to be back selling my goods in Brooklyn! There is no place like home. Thank you to everyone who came out to support Shop Volta. The love is real! ❤️ #shopvoltabk #brooklyn #thethrillmarket #ourpieceofthepie #brooklynlove #fortgreene #ghanamade #handmade #bklove #home #shopvoltabkmade (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSmFmsDgA3c/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Man oh man!! #shopvoltabk #nas #laurynhill #hiphop #black #greatness https://www.instagram.com/p/CSR9CQ8rKaB/?utm_medium=tumblr

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At SCAD with my beautiful mother in law Barbara.. We are just sitting out on the balcony waiting to to see the exhibit. Good call Ivory M Jones!! (at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion and Film) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSNHWYgpLXi/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Thank you Atlanta for showing love to me these past two weekends. Coming out here and vending for the first time at Created Noble Market on Edgewood and The Atlanta Indie Market by The Apex Museum. I learned alot, but most importantly I made friends. The hustle is real in the ATL!! ❤️❤️❤️✊🏾 #shopvoltabk #shopvoltainthatl #blackmakers #atlantaindiemarket #blackpeople #atl #africanshustle #backtobrooklyn #atlantamakers (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSEn28_Lh3p/?utm_medium=tumblr

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My very last weekend in Georgia, Shop Volta will be at Atlanta Indie Market this Saturday from 11am - 7pm. Will be providing space details on Friday! #shopvoltabk #frombrooklyntoatlanta #brooklynmade #africangirlinatlanta #atlantacrafters #blackownedatlanta #shopvoltabkintheatl #atlantablacktalent #ghanainatlanta (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR6DzcqoxqV/?utm_medium=tumblr

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We are here from 1pm-6pm at 381 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA There are alot of great other vendors here!! Come out and support ❤️#atl #edgewood #blackowned #4thward #crafter #atlantacrafters #shopvoltabk #atlantamakers (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRt76ICoLj7/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Due to the weather report of scattered thunderstorms, we have decided to move our dates for the following weekend of July 24th and 25th from 1pm-6pm❤️thanks again! (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRdiVUlpCD3/?utm_medium=tumblr

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This one truly hurts. Rest in Peace Biz Markie❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CRbKKC7JXUQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Happy Friday!! I have been waiting to share the good news but before I made the announcement about these Ankara Print clutches I had to make sure that I had my care cards and dust bags available to you first before the official launch. I am happy to say that your Summer is officially here and you can purchase your Bintu Clutch at www.shopvolta.com! #shopvoltabk #shophandmade #shopindependent #waxprintbag #ankarabag #africanfashion #africaninspired #africanprintlovers #bagmaker #handmadewithlove #ihavethisthingwithbags #craftbrooklyn #craftaholic #handcraftedgifts #craftshows #artisanmarket #buylocal #handmadelocal #christmasgiftideas #uniquegifts #africanprintbags #ankaraprintbags #brooklyn #bedstuy #nyc #bedfordstuyvesant #womeninbusiness #bushwick #smallbusiness #crownheights (at Bedford-Stuyvesant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ0vZmCp5cP/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Happy Monday!!!! This is my mood for today ❤️ I hope you all adopt it as well. #shopvoltabk #bedfordstuyvesant #crooklyn #sarahdjarnie (at Bedford-Stuyvesant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQqkFLjpCSy/?utm_medium=tumblr

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I took this picture on Friday, but i am going to repost it, because it all about my mood today.❤️#shoovolta #sarahdjarnie #femalecrafters #bedstuyartists #ghanamade #brownskin (at Brooklyn, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQqiarwpSEn/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Ghana proud! ❤️ Ghanaian actress @michaelacoelweb Style by @nana.kwasi.wiafe #Ghana #ghanaproud #kentecloth #asante #accra (at Ghana West Africa) https://www.instagram.com/p/COhCQDRJrPx/?igshid=pdjeqzxyy08

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Born in Kenya and raised in Greece is an artist who creates art with a message. Bisi believes that art should be the vessel for change. You can find Bisi touring around the world discussing her art and the message of human compassion and change . currently at Baltimore Craft Week. Link to store in bio☝🏾 #SHOPVOLTABK⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #SHOPCRAFTS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #SUPPORTHANDMADE⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #DOLLMAKER⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #BLACKDOLLMAKER⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #BLACKCRAFTER⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AMERICANCRAFTCOUNCIL⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #HOMEDECOR⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ROOMTRANSFORMATION⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #SUPPORTSMALLBUSINESS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀#baltimorecraftweek HOWWEDWELL⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #BLACKFOLKLORE⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AMERICANHANDCRAFTS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #SUPPORTHANDMADE⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #BALTIMORECRAFTWEEK⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AMERICANCRAFTCOUNCIL⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #HANDMADEMARKET⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ACCSHOW⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #MAKERMADE⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #SUPPORTMAKERS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #MAKERSSUPPORTINGMAKERS⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ONLINEMARKETPLACE⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #AMERICANCRAFT⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ACCWIP⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #CRAFTCOUNCIL⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #BROOKLYNMADE⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #GIFTIDEA⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #GIFTSFORHER⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #CRAFTGIFTING⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #bedfordstuyvesantmakers (at Bedford-Stuyvesant) https://www.instagram.com/p/CNxf4qFJEEO/?igshid=1p9ycllnxmw79