Vintage Calypso Queen Doll with Bananas. Handwritten Nassau sash. Measures about 10" in height. Very good condition.
This charming Calypso Queen figurine is a quintessential example of mid-20th-century Bahamian craftsmanship, traditionally handmade by local artisans for the flourishing tourist trade in Nassau. The doll features a distinctive wide-flaring skirt made of woven burlap or raffia, which is beautifully embellished with vibrant, hand-stitched floral embroidery in shades of pink, yellow, and blue. Her ensemble is completed with a blue polka-dot fabric bodice trimmed in delicate white lace.
The most iconic feature of this doll is her towering headpiece, which includes a bunch of bright yellow bananas and lush green leaves, a nod to the traditional "market lady" or "fruit vendor" themes prevalent in Caribbean folk art. Many of these dolls from the 1950s and 60s featured a signature handwritten "Nassau" sash or tag, marking them as authentic keepsakes from the islands before the era of mass production. This piece serves as a colorful time capsule of tropical travel history and is a perfect addition to a collection of international cultural dolls or eclectic island-inspired decor.
This doll is vintage, over 50 years old. While it appears to be in very good condition, there is the possibility I may have missed a minor detail. In the unlikely event I missed a major flaw, I would reach out prior to sending it.
