American Samoa Doll Pago Pago Hula Dancer

Hula dancer doll from Pago Pago, the capital of American Samoa which is one of the Polynesian islands in the South Pacific Ocean. The doll is wearing a tapa cloth dress and a necklace made of cowrie shells. Tapa cloth is made of mulberry tree bark. This doll has been identified using the book ‘America’s, Australasia & Pacific Islands Costumed Dolls’ by Polly and Pam Judd, a similar doll is pictured on page 115.

Folklore is in the air… uhm… ear!

Details

Object Doll made of natural materials
Origin American Samoa, Pago Pago
Culture Polynesian
Medium Fabric, tapa cloth, cowrie shells, natural fibers
Mark or Tag None
Made by Unknown
Size H 26 cm
Dated Not dated
Acquired Online 2007

Postcard

Here's a postcard that matches this doll. It shows how the people living in Samoa are dressed in their traditional costume.

Text on the back of the postcard: 'Polynesia. Authentic Costumes of Polynesia' and 'Polynesian Cultural Center. The authentic costumes of the six civilisations of Polynesia as shown daily during a fashion parade and lecture at lunch time at the famous Polynesian Cultural Center at Laie, Oahu'. Postmark 1986.

Happy collecting,