Writing
Erick DuPree’ explores the intersections of culture, identity, and meaning through the lens of anthropology, literature, and material culture. From the hidden histories of dolls to the evolving myths of masculinity, queer identity, and ritual, Erick weaves scholarship and storytelling into thought-provoking essays that invite readers to see the world—and themselves—anew.
Paris in Miniature: Bru, Jumeau, and the French Fashion Doll
The legacy of 19th-century French fashion dolls from Bru and Jumeau. Explore their history, artistry, and cultural impact, plus tips for identifying originals vs. reproductions. A must-read guide for collectors, historians, and anyone fascinated by antique dolls.
Review of Iron John by Robert Bly: A Mythic Journey into True Masculinity
A poetic and personal reflection on Robert Bly’s Iron John, exploring masculinity through myth, emotion, and initiation. A must-read for men seeking depth, purpose, and healing. True strength lies in feeling—this book shows the way.
Rebuilding Manhood: How Collecting GI Joe Helped Me Reclaim a Lost Identity
Exploring the cultural legacy of 1980s G.I. Joe and He-Man, this essay reveals how adult collectors reclaim these toys to redefine masculinity—shifting from domination to resilience, kindness, and vulnerability through the ritual of restoring childhood heroes.
The Eternal Circle: On Unity, Hope, and Shared Destiny
Discover the power of interdependence through the sacred circle—a timeless symbol of unity, hope, and shared destiny. Explore how connection strengthens us and creates a tapestry of collective resilience.
The Rise and Fall of Collectible Dolls: Art, Marketing, and the Great Collectible Collapse
Explore the boom and bust of the mass-produced collectible doll industry from the 1980s to 2000s. From Ashton-Drake to Franklin Mint, discover how limited editions, TV hype, and artist branding created a market bubble—and what it means for doll collectors today.
Folk Dolls & Memory
Explore the cultural history of dolls from an anthropologist's perspective. This essay reveals how handmade and folk dolls serve as powerful tools of memory, identity, and human connection—bridging past and present through play, ritual, and material culture.
Little Ladies, Big Lessons: Victorian Fashion Dolls as Instruments of Gender Socialization
Little Ladies: Victorian Fashion Dolls and the Feminine Ideal explores how 19th-century dolls served as tools of gender training and socialization. Beneath the silks and lace lies a powerful story of class, empire, and the making of the “proper” woman—stitched in miniature.