More than toys. More than play. Dolls are culture, memory, and meaning made miniature.
From sacred ritual objects to tools of socialization, fashion icons to art pieces, Dolls Beyond Play uncovers the profound role dolls have played across human history. Anthropologist and lifelong collector Erick DuPree offers an expansive, richly illustrated journey through the global story of dolls.
With a foreward by renown Japanese doll scholar, Alan Scott Pate, Dolls Beyond Play is a bold, eye-opening journey through history, art, and identity—perfect for collectors, scholars, and the doll-curious alike. Prepare to see these small figures in a whole new light.
What to Expect in Dolls Beyond Play
Inside these pages, readers will find a sweeping exploration of dolls as cultural artifacts—objects that have shaped, reflected, and challenged our ideas about identity, beauty, gender, race, power, and memory. Drawing on anthropology, psychology, gender studies, and memoir, Erick DuPree traces the evolution of dolls from ancient ritual figures to high-fashion icons, from mass-market collectibles to fine art sculpture.Highlights include:
Global History: From Japanese ichimatsu to African nkisi, European fashion dolls to American paper dolls, discover how dolls have crossed cultures and centuries.
Marginalized Stories: Unearth the overlooked histories of Black dolls, queer collectors, and global artisans.
Psychology & Power: Examine how dolls socialize children, reinforce or resist societal norms, and hold emotional weight across a lifetime.
Artistry & Craftsmanship: Go behind the glass of museum cases and artist studios to explore how dolls have become powerful works of art
Personal Reflections: DuPree brings their own lifelong collecting journey into conversation with broader cultural meaning, offering an intimate and authoritative voice.
Dolls Beyond Play: The Cultural Significance of Dolls has been hailed as the first comprehensive ethnographic and interdisciplinary study of dolls, and endorsed by the United Federation of Doll Clubs and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Editorial Reviews
DuPree has masterfully written a must-read for every collector in the doll community with an unapologetic approach to discovering the historical and cultural impact dolls have on individuals and society, while exploring our deeply personal relationships with dolls. -CONNIE JAMES REYNOLDS, PRESIDENT, THE UNITED FEDERATION OF DOLL CLUBS, INC.
Dolls Beyond Play takes care to include the intricate history of Black dolls, revealing layers of complexity often overlooked. This enlightening journey celebrates the resilience of Black heritage, making it a must-read for those passionate about cultural representation. -BARBARA WHITEMAN, DIRECTOR, THE PHILADELPHIA DOLL MUSEUM
The saga of dolls is one that spans the length of human history—a constantly changing reflection of our own evolution and innovation. Erick DuPree masterfully connects the threads of culture across the east and the west spanning centuries--colonialism, capitalism, and artistic technique. This is a thrilling read for doll collectors who understand this deeply personal relationship, and anyone interested in the passionate story of humanity's efforts to recreate itself in miniature.- ASTOR YANG, DOLL DESIGNER, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, AY COLLECTIVE
Erick DuPree's Dolls Beyond Play, is an important step forward in bringing down this unnatural reluctance to actually address the subject of dolls, to acknowledge their importance and cultural significance. Having spent the last 30 years narrowly exploring the history and cultural significance of ningyo (dolls) in the Japanese context, I laud DuPree's scope of vision and frankness in planting the flag of academic rigor and focus on the subject of dolls. And I trust that this important volume will be only the first of many to treat the singularly intrinsic and universal subject that is the doll.-ALAN SCOTT PATE, AUTHOR, NINGYO: THE ART OF THE JAPANESE DOLL
Dolls Beyond Play is not just a book; it's a celebration of doll collectors' passion and dedication. DuPree's exploration of dolls as symbols of culture and identity is a must-read, shedding light on their impact on society and the need to integrate technology into the collecting world. From their profound influence on social media to the rich tapestry of doll history, this book makes collectors feel seen for their invaluable contributions. An essential addition to any doll lover's library!
-RACHEL HOFFMAN, FOUNDER, VIRTUAL DOLL CONVENTION