The small, colorful dolls that adorn the wall in the Robert E. Nail Jr. Archives are some of my favorite pieces in the Old Jail Art Center’s collection. These childrens’ toys were crafted and gifted by the Tonkawa to a young child named Sallie Matthews- a member of one of the early frontier families of our region.
Each time I pass them in the gallery, I cherish the thought of these lovely toys being held and played with by Sallie’s hands. These Tonkawa artifacts are amazing. They have weathered time beautifully, still vibrant and colorful with amazing detail. At close inspection you find hundreds of dyed seed beads, painted and tooled leather, and amazingly intricate stitching. Such impressive craftsmanship from this Tonkawa artisan.
As many times as I have seen these dolls, some of the same questions come to mind each time I view them.
They are so beautiful! Were these too fancy for everyday play?
Who actually made these dolls? What was their relationship to Sallie/ how did they know her?
Were they crafted just for Sallie? A gift? A swap? Was it a special occasion like a birthday?
As a child I loved receiving dolls. I think of all the children in our area from Sallie’s time to my own that have treasured the same experience. I enjoy thoughts of traditions like these that connect centuries of children in Shackelford County history.
I encourage you to think back on the best toy you received as a child. Imagine if it was viewed by someone in a historical gallery a hundred years in the future. Would that toy resonate in the same way as these dolls? Speak to the shared, timeless experience of childhood?
This fall, I hope you make time this fall to visit the museum to discover small treasures such as these in its galleries.
Susan Montgomery, Membership and Development Coordinator
Tonkawa Dolls, c. 1869, Leather, beads, LX. 027