National Pakistani Doll - Statement of Significance

     The Pakistani National Doll (figure 1) was purchased in the late 1950s by Elizabeth Lum Drake Schultz likely near Karachi (Sindh province, Pakistan) and given to Cynthia Drake, the current owner. This object has dynamic historic, aesthetic, technical, and social values that will continue to evolve in future. 

Figure 1. National Pakistani Doll.

    After becoming independent in 1947, Pakistan became one of the fastest growing countries at the time entering into a period of immense social, political and cultural change. Tourism became a prominent feature of the nations fabric. Based on similar examples (figures 2 and 3), this object was likely mass produced as a souvenir for western tourists using materials procured for visually appeal and cheap manufacture. Aspects of this can be seen in the salwar styled in the infamous 1950s poodle-skirt trend. 

Figure 2. National Pakistani doll, circa 1961 from The Gates Collection. This object was sent to Monica Gates by the All-Pakistani Women’s association and represents a woman dressed in Ghagra Choli known to the countryside of the Punjab Province.

Figure 3. National Pakistani Doll sent to Monica Gates by her mother in the 1970s. She is dressed in the traditional Salwar Kameez and is thought to have been manufactured up to 100 years prior to purchase.

    Elizabeth Lum Drake Schultz was an avid traveller (figure 4), and this object is one in a collection of thirteen given to Cynthia Drake (figure 5). From communication with the current owner, she values these national dolls as they facilitated and strengthened her relationship with her grandmother, becoming an object of remembrance after her death. Throughout the years, this author developed a relationship with the object. Initially valued for aesthetics in childhood, this project will contribute to the completion of my MA thus enhancing value.   

Figure 4. Elizabeth Lum Drake Schultz's suitcase embellished with stickers from her travels.

Figure 5. Other pieces in the collection including another thirteen national dolls. 

    By way of technical value, this object could contribute to an understanding of a historic period in Pakistan’s history poorly documented from a social perspective. While the object is structurally sound and complete, the textile has become embrittled, faded and there is a case of foxing on the face and neck (which could extend to aspects hidden to visual analysis) (figure 6). Herein there is research potential as foxing on textile is somewhat poorly understood. 

Figure 6. Foxing on the face and neck of the object appearing as dark brown/reddish spots (red circle). This could expand below the neckline hidden to visual analysis.