Doll:French Fashion Doll

French fashion dolls peaked in popularity during the mid-19th century. During this period, European nations scrambled to acquire territory in Africa, and the French occupied parts of northern, western, and equatorial Africa, including Algeria on the Mediterranean Sea. Perhaps this unique Jumeau doll represents the cultural interaction between France and Algeria of the era. Though a vast majority of French fashion dolls have light complexions, and most have blonde hair, blue eyes, and wear European-style clothing of the late 19th century, this doll has a darker complexion, short dark hair, and brown eyes. She wears traditional Algerian garb, including a green silk bolero style jacket decorated with intricate embroidery and beadwork, two sequined belts, a necklace of gold coins, and wide, Ottoman style pants.