Barbie Doll, 1959-1961
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Mattel's Barbie doll, introduced in 1959, was groundbreaking--a teenage fashion model, rather than a baby or companion doll. Barbie was a young adult, with long legs and an hourglass figure. She represented teenage freedom--and enjoyed a large, constantly-changing wardrobe of stylish clothing and coordinating accessories to go along with it. Barbie was an immediate--and lasting--hit with young girls.
Mattel's Barbie doll, introduced in 1959, was groundbreaking--a teenage fashion model, rather than a baby or companion doll. Barbie was a young adult, with long legs and an hourglass figure. She represented teenage freedom--and enjoyed a large, constantly-changing wardrobe of stylish clothing and coordinating accessories to go along with it. Barbie was an immediate--and lasting--hit with young girls.
Artifact
Doll
Date Made
1959-1961
Keywords
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2018.136.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mary Sherman.
Material
Plastic
Metal
Cloth
Cardboard
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 11.75 in (Doll)
Width: 1.625 in (Doll)
Length: 1.75 in (Doll)
Height: 12.125 in (Packaging)
Width: 3.125 in (Packaging)
Length: 1.875 in (Packaging)
Inscriptions
stamped on bottom of doll's foot: JAPAN on front of tag: GENUINE Barbie BY MATTEL on back of tag: Imported From Japan on top of packaging: TEEN AGE FASHION MODEL Barbie (R) / Barbie (R) TEEN AGE FASHION MODEL on front of packaging: Barbie / MATTEL INTERNATIONAL / TEEN AGE FASHION MODEL WITH PEDESTAL / STOCK No. 850 / BLOND PONYTAIL / JAPAN on proper left side of packaging: TEEN AGE FASHION MODEL Barbie (R) on back of packaging: Barbie / MATTEL INTERNATIONAL / TEEN AGE FASHION MODEL WITH PEDESTAL / Designed and imported by MATTEL, INC., / JAPAN on proper right side of packaging: Barbie (R) TEEN AGE FASHION MODEL
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