Vintage Calypso Doll with Apples and Bananas. Measures about 10" in height. Good condition.
Celebrate Bahamian heritage with this authentic vintage Calypso Queen doll, traditionally handmade for the flourishing mid-century tourist trade in Nassau, Bahamas. This 10-inch figure is a quintessential example of island folk art, featuring a wide-flaring skirt made of woven burlap embellished with vibrant plastic apples and bananas. The most distinctive detail of this piece is the original hand-written "Nassau" sash, a classic identifier for authentic souvenir dolls produced by local artisans during the 1950s and 60s.
The doll is beautifully costumed in a striped bodice with delicate lace trim, topped with a wide-brimmed pink sun hat and a traditional headwrap. Her ensemble represents the "market lady" or fruit vendor theme prevalent in Caribbean cultural history. These dolls were often created using a mix of local materials and manufactured parts, making each one a unique time capsule of tropical travel history. It is an ideal find for collectors of international cultural dolls or anyone looking for a bold, nostalgic accent for island-inspired decor.
This item is vintage, over 50 years old. While it appears to be in the good condition stated, 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.
