African American Dolls

by JoAnn Bernard

This essay companying the African American Doll, The Mammy Rocking Baby, describes the importance of "The Mammy" to Southern Culture, and contains a short poem by JoAnn Bernard

"Mammy"

written by JoAnn Bernard

   There are no words to describe the importance of "The Mammy" to Southern Culture. Because of her intelligence, loyalty and wisdom, the southern family chose her to nurture the children. Her loving care compared only with natural bond of motherhood.

Mammy

A Poem by JoAnn Bernard
Written in loving memory of Irene Campo

Back and forth, back and forth went the rocker with a creaking rhythm
So safe and secure as we lay our heads upon her bosom
We had no fears, we knew no pain cradled in her comforting arms
Even in her most trying of times her love shown through her defensive shield
She was firm when needed and gentle when our broken hearts needed mending
She was Mammy, our Mammy, her loving care will be with us always

    JoAnn Bernard is a self-taught artist.  Born JoAnn Gonzales on the bayou of Delacroix Island, Louisiana, with an Islenos heritage that stems back to Spain's Canary Islands.  Her love of the beautiful State of Louisiana has inspired the Days of Old Collection, a line of Louisiana heritage character dolls.  Through research, she has reproduced Louisiana ancestry; African American, Cajun, Islenos and others in life-like forms as they were seen years ago.  JoAnn has created a complete original collection.  She sculpts the original pieces and reproduces them in plaster molds.  The face of each character is hand-painted, dressed (clothing and jewelry may vary) and positioned on handcrafted wooden pedestals and chairs to recreate photographs and sketches of the 1800's.  The body designs are unique in construction and design.  All wigs are hand-made by the artist using mohair strands.  The artist developed original clothing designs and patterns.  Props were designed and created for each individual character doll.  All clay pieces are limited editions of 500 and are numbered and signed by the artist.  Booklets and display cards are also designed by Jo Ann to include the number of the piece and a short story about the character doll.   Booklets are attached to the piece, and the display card can be framed to stand along side the piece.  Character dolls range in height from 16 to 18 inches tall.  Total height of the piece may vary depending upon position of character dolls.  A numbered and signed Certificate of Authenticity is provided with each character doll.

©Jo Ann Bernard

Attached booklets contain above information

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Visit the Louisiana State Crafts Program

African American Dolls by Joann Bernard

Learn about Louisiana Culture through this African American Heritage Doll collection inspired by sketches, photographs and stories of the 1800's.

Display card and Booklets printed on aged parchment paper

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For more information  email:   jo_ann_bernard@southernelegance.net

Display card printed on aged parchment paper