Wooden Doll c. 1939

John Tarantino made this wooden doll sometime between 1855 and 1995. Its simple design and the use of wood give it a rustic, folk-art feel. We can think about this doll as a cultural artifact, reflecting the social conditions of its time. Was it a child’s toy, a decorative object, or something else entirely? The doll's plain dress and modest features might suggest values of simplicity and humility, which were often emphasized in rural communities. Without a specific date, it is difficult to tie the doll to a particular historical moment or movement. However, the act of creating a doll by hand suggests a personal connection to the object, perhaps a desire to preserve a cultural tradition or express individual creativity outside the formal institutions of art. To fully understand this work, we'd need to research the cultural context in which Tarantino lived and worked. What were the prevailing attitudes towards folk art, gender roles, and childhood during his lifetime? By exploring these questions, we can begin to unravel the doll's complex social and cultural meanings.