6 Peruvian textile puppets, 19th or 20th Century
These folks were bought in Phoenix in the early 1980’s and have been kept framed in plexiglass cases.
Each doll is 8-11 in long and about 3 inches wide.
Inherited
Yes
Hi Donna,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Archaeological textile fragments were frequently re-purposed and made into dolls, sometimes peddled as ancient ones, and sold to tourists. While the dolls themselves were made in the 19th or 20th Century, the fabric they are made from probably pre-dates European settlements and the conquistadors.
They are charming items that typically bring between $75-100 each; your group of six has a fair-market valuation of $450-600.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Six Peruvian textile puppets
Repurposed from antique fabrics, 19th or 20th Century
Dolls range in height from 8-11 inches
CONDITION: Wear and age to the fabrics.
PROVENANCE: Inherited; acquired in Phoenix, Ariz., in the early 1980s
$ 450-600 for the group*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
Thanks, Donna,
Do you mind if I show these two photos to someone knowledgeable in southwestern textile and toys? I think their perspective could be useful in determining in which culture they were made, when, etc.
It won't cost more money to consult outside Mearto but it might take a little longer to get back to you with a finished appraisal. Can you please confirm this is OK?
Thanks,
Delia
Sounds great. Thanks!
Hi Donna,
I heard back from my former colleague sooner than expected and have finished this appraisal. Thank you for the additional time! Let me know if you have questions etc, otherwise, thank you again for using Mearto.
Delia
They do look like the bottom is open in each doll. Doesn’t look like linen, but could be, maybe twill