Stunning Genuine Maynard Arnett LIMITED Black Americana Folk Art Wood Resin Doll

Description

This is perhaps the most stunning example of Black Americana Folk Art that I've come across in my many years as a collector. It should be noted before moving into the details of this piece, that it is the ONLY of its kind that I have seen listed in the online resale world. Numbering 14 in a Limited Edition set of 500, I am yet to see this exact model Arnett doll ANYWHERE for purchase. As far as Arnett dolls go, this piece boasts an abnormal attention to detail in the wood resin carving - making this doll one of Maynard Arnett's most hard to come by, as well as his most exquisite pieces.
The Artist:
Maynard Arnett is well known to many in the collectible doll/Black Americana community, however - for those who aren’t familiar with the name - a bit about the artist.
Maynard Arnett was a highly skilled master woodcarver from Arkansas (20th Century). His most popular line of work was undoubtably the “Farm Kid” doll series. This series (like the doll of this listing) features African American youth from the early 1900’s time period. Arnett would painstakingly carve the original dolls of wood, and a very limited creation of 500 reproductions (done in wood resin) would be modeled after that original piece. Over the years, Arnetts resin/hand painted, hand carved limited edition dolls would become HIGHLY sought after by collectors around the globe. These dolls are wonderfully warm and appealingly cute - however - they are not “comical” in depiction. Their features are beautifully artistic, yet - do not stray so far from what a child of the time period would resemble.
These dolls are HEAVY!!!! An aspect of Arnett dolls that I (and many others) find innately appealing. Their weight is the result of wood resin structure, as well as a stuffed/weighted interior composition. They have a VERY substantial feel - unlike so many “lightweight” cheaply composed folk art dolls. The clothing on these dolls was meticulously crafted to achieve a worn, aged aesthetic. Your doll thereby seems to be a century old. This effect was achieved through a “faux-aging” process, with a multitude of techniques applied (dyeing with tea, etc) to give the doll’s clothing this “weathered” aesthetic. These dolls, keep in mind, were created decades after the time period in which they depict (1900’s-1920’s). Arnett was looking back at the period of time, and trying to catch (in an artistic way) the beauty and simplicity of the children of that time.
The Doll Itself:
This doll is named “Dody,” as evidenced on her attached Certificate of Authenticity tag. Dody numbers (14) out of a Limited Edition Series of 500. This doll is a genuine piece of Arnett’s Country Store.
My favorite element of this doll, is beyond a doubt here lovely face. The precision that went into carving her facial features is so beautifully on point. Dody bears a soft, little smile - her lush pink lips ever so slightly upturned. Her nose is cute, small, like that of a real life child. Her eyebrows are arched, somewhat inquisitively. Dody has sat on a bench in our family room for many years. Whenever I looked over and caught her gaze, I felt as if she was truly watching the comings and goings of our 4 children. They certainly always kept her entertained… (:
Dody’s eyes are a beautiful brown, with the whites of the eyes visible - and (stunningly) even a slight glimmer achieved within the pupils.
Dody’s hair is natural, and simply tied with ribbons on both sides - ready for play. This reminds me so much of myself when I was younger. My mother would say “you’ve got MUD in your hair! Would you at least tie it up!” (; Dody’s ribbons hold her hair back so that she is free to roam and play without her beautiful black hair getting in the way!
These dolls (as mentioned before0 are entirely hand painted. The paint is thick and high quality, allowing for a beautiful array of hues in her skin tone.
Dody’s clothing is what one might expect to see of a child back in the 1900-1920’s. It is her “summer wear,” perhaps not what she would wear to church, but what she would wear when she was out and about. She wears a somewhat unkept dress, held together with button and tie at the back. Again I am reminded of myself as a child. My mother would wash an outfit of mine maybe once a week during the summers, as I would simply make a mess of it every other day! She would wait, therefor, until it was TRULY unkept before throwing it into the wash, and hanging it on the clothesline (: Under this dress, Dody wears a light pinkish/red /white checked light linen undergarment. Simply beautiful up against her darker complexion.
Dody’s little boots are ADORABLE! They too look as though they could use a wash, but whats the point when you are a child? A child who is ALWAYS on the move… a child who won’t even think twice about jumping into that creek of mud to try and catch a quick footed frog.
Overall, this truly is a one of a kind collector’s piece. As noted earlier, I FIRMLY believe it is the only of its kind offered for sale in all of the online resale world. She numbers just 14 of 500 - making her one of the first created in the series. Dody is HEAVY, substantial, hand carved, hand painted, and comes with an attached COA tag. She is the real deal, and I will miss her DEARLY! If I had had girls, this doll would never have found its way on to my active listings. However, I have 4 boys, and they just don’t seem to be very interested in Dody. My hope is that this beautiful work of Black Americana Folk Art goes to someone who will keep it in the family. Someone who may one day pass Dody along to a child of their own.
The back of Dody's head is stamped "MA" for Maynard Arnett, and marked copyright '87.
Measurements:
15 1/2 Inches when laid out.
11 Inches when seated (she will indeed sit up, and stay in that position) (:
Weight:
About 2.5 lbs
~If you have any further questions, or would like to see any additional photographs, please do not hesitate to reach out in the form of an email. I will get back to you promptly.
~Will ship overseas, but not responsible for any customs fees that might be incurred.