Image: One of Sherry Way’s dolls.

February is Black History Month and the African American folk art of doll making is something that is exciting to explore this time of year. Doll collecting among African Americans has historically included elements of history and genealogy, with childhood dolls being passed from mother to daughter for generations. The dolls also provide a continuing link to the past – their simplicity, uniqueness and age that mark the gradual progression of African Americans socially.

This month, to celebrate Black History Month and the history of African American doll making consider:

*visiting the Philadelphia Doll Museum, to get a glimpse of the history of African American Dolls and doll making.

*purchasing and reading Debbie Behan Garrett’s book Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting and Experiencing the Passion

*visiting a local African American doll maker’s studio in your community, take a doll making class or subscribe to their newsletter or blog.

*attending a Black History Doll Show this month.

*traveling to the Gullah Islands off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina to get the flavor of traditional doll crafts and the history behind them.

This month is an exciting month to share your love of dolls and find a sense of history in the African American community. Let me know some other ideas of how you intend to celebrate the history Black Doll making!

Sherry Ways is a Washington, DC-based designer and doll artist who creates straight from the soul. She began working on cloth dolls four years ago. Sherry’s one-of-a-kind dolls have recently been published in Black Dolls: A Comprehensive Guide to Celebrating, Collecting and Experiencing the Passion by Debbie Behan Garrett, Doll Castle News Magazine and Soft Dolls and Animals Magazine. For more information about Sherry’s dolls, visit her website at http://www.sankofastudiio.com