She is the child of a beautiful black slave woman, released into the custody of a wealthy French business man in early 1800's New Orleans - these men took up with beautiful Creole women, but legally could not marry them, though they raised families. Gertrude is the child of such a union. Her left arm and hand fade to a light beige-white - she has always been told by her elders that this is because she has white blood in her. But she hides the truth - the bleaching pattern continues beyond her clothing line, and in those days they didn't know it was called "vitiglio", or skin lightening/discoloration.
Her hair went through many test-drives. I at one time had her in a purple muslin head rag, with nappy sheeps wool hair, which was very realistic, but not quite right for her youthful age. She also underwent many garment changes. You can see this and her haircolor tryouts at my art doll blog, wench fries, here:
http://wenchfries.com/2012/04/18/creole-girl-creating-an-art-doll-from-scratch-part-1/
Her lambs wool hair has been lovingly stroked with hair curling wax, to keep its curl and prevent "felting" into its baser wool tendancies, and which also carries a pleasing fragrance. Gertrude is 9 inches tall, 4.5 inches seated, Her "wood-carved" (polymer) doll is linked at the joints and included. She will be safely and lovingly packaged for her voyage to her new home with you.
Shipping in the USA is quoted to include tracking plus insurance. For international prices I will ship Priority Mail USPS, with Insurance and tracking as well. Contact me for pricing.
Have any questions?
Contact the shop owner.