Paper doll set

Some toy historians believe that paper dolls evolved from "pantins" or jumping jacks, cardboard figures with arms and legs that moved when the string attached was pulled. From the toy with limbs to manipulate, the paper doll transferred the play to manipulating clothing and accessories. Paper dolls of the early 19th century attempted to depict moral virtue and a pious demeanor even as youngsters cut out clothing and made up stories (not necessarily about moral virtue) about what their paper dolls were doing.