This charming “Little Papoose” vintage doll is a handmade creation by self-taught American folk artist Patricia Bonds Gaetano, signed and dated 1991 on the bottom fabric. Gaetano was known for her collectible soft-sculptured dolls inspired by Native American themes, often incorporating recycled fabrics, beads, feathers, and natural materials to evoke indigenous cultural elements from tribes like those in Oklahoma (e.g., Choctaw, Cherokee). Her works blend folk art techniques and were sold in galleries, with some collector pieces fetching hundreds of dollars.
The doll depicts a baby swaddled in a traditional cradleboard (papoose carrier), crafted with attention to detail for an authentic, bohemian folk art aesthetic. Key features include:
• Face and Body: Soft fabric construction with a simple painted face (black button eyes, red mouth, rosy cheeks), black yarn or fabric hair, and a pink fabric body bundled in layered red, maroon, and pink textiles.
• Decorations: Embellished with a bead necklace (pearl-like and colorful glass beads), vibrant feathers in pink and brown, small metal charms, bells, and pendants. The cradle is wrapped in braided cords of turquoise, red, and green yarns, adding texture and color.
• Cradle and Strap: Natural wicker basket base with a fabric-wrapped looped handle. Includes a long braided shoulder strap (about 2-3 feet) with additional beads and tassels, allowing it to be carried or hung as decor.
• Dimensions: Approximately 13 inches long x 8.5 inches wide (cradle size)
This piece showcases Gaetano’s signature style, using mixed media like wicker, fabric scraps, and found objects for a unique, artisanal feel. It’s not mass-produced but a one-of-a-kind or limited folk art item from the early 1990s.
Perfect for collectors of vintage dolls, Native American-inspired art, ethnic folk crafts, or cultural memorabilia.