Central Michigan University

Beyond Barbie: CMU doll exhibit to entertain and educate

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Topics in this story: Arts and events, College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences, History, Museum Studies, Museum of Cultural and Natural History, World politics and culture

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Media Contact(s):

Heather Smith
989-774-1702

Program Contact(s):

Bill Pretzer
989-774-7165

An exhibit of dolls from around the world at Central Michigan University will provide both entertainment and education for visitors of all ages.

"Beyond Barbie: Dolls, Dress and Culture in Global Perspective" at CMU's Museum of Cultural and Natural History will open April 9 and run through January 2009. More than 100 dolls from more than 50 different countries will give visitors a firsthand look into these countries' cultures and traditions through their elaborate clothing.

Some of the dolls' attire represents the everyday dress of their countries, while others show clothing worn for special events or holidays. Many of the dolls are clothed in costumes representing national traditions; regional or social identity; or local occupations, such as a fisherman and a lace maker. Character dolls illustrating traditional stories or folktales also will be on display.

"The exhibition illustrates the diverse ways humans have of expressing their personalities, joys, labors and traditions through something we all share in common, clothing," said Bill Pretzer, museum director and associate professor of history. "These objects are exquisite examples of local textile traditions and each doll maker's individual artistry. Some are true representations of regional or national folk cultures and traditions, while others, made for the tourist trade, are less authentic but still symbolize their cultures."

The exhibition is based on the collection of more than 350 dolls assembled by former CMU faculty member Barbara Bissot. Bissot taught at CMU from 1962 to 1992, first as a fourth grade teacher at the university lab school and then as a professor of elementary education. Bissot's brother, Father Robert Bissot, donated the collection to the CMU Museum of Cultural and Natural History following her death in 2007.

Bissot's passion for collecting dolls began while teaching at a U.S. military school in Germany in 1956, and she added to her collection nearly every year until 2006 through her international travels. She made a point to seek out dolls crafted by local artisans to ensure their ethnic accuracy and representation of their countries and local cultures. She often used them as teaching tools in her classes.

In addition to the display of dolls, the exhibit includes a children's educational activity room and special programs, complemented by the museum's Web site, http://www.museum.cmich.edu, where visitors can view the dolls and learn about each one online.

Admission to the Museum of Cultural and Natural History is free and open to the public. Hours are Mondays through Fridays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m. The museum is located in CMU's Rowe Hall, which is on the corner of Bellows Street and East Campus Drive.