Auctiva Emporium: canaan573

According to folklore, Topsy-Turvy dolls originated during the time of slavery, when an African American child owning a white doll was forbidden. The white doll could easily be hidden by turning the doll "topsy-turvy".  Another theory contends that the dolls were owned by the daughters of white plantation owners to represent the roles of their caretakers and themselves.  Yet another possibility is that they were created by the caretakers themselves as a representation of their role - taking care of the white children while theirs were absent and vice versa.  Either way, it is a toy that represents a unique and poignant facet of American history.

I have several of these dolls currently available as well as quite a few "Mammy" toaster covers - all part of a collection from a large estate.  Check them ouot and own a piece of Americana!