Historical information

These Amish-style dolls were made by Kallista woman, Beryl Collett (1925-2018) and form part of a large and varied range of objects relating to Beryl which is held by the Museum. She became very interested in Amish culture in the early 2000s and has also made Amish-style quilts. The Amish people have significant populations in the USA (Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania). The Amish are known for simple living, plain dress, Christian pacificism, self-sufficiency and a disregard for modern technology. Amish dolls typically have no facial features or hair to emphasise that all are alike in the eyes of God.

Significance

The Dandenongs have been the chosen home of many creative people who, like Beryl, have found inspiration in the natural beauty of the area. Much of Beryl's work was created by her following her retirement from her accountancy job in 1980 and so epitomises the potential of the retirement phase of people's lives.

Physical description

Three Amish-style dolls. One female and two males. Stuffed and dressed in plain Amish-style clothing and wearing a hat or bonnet. No facial features or hair.
One additional bonnet and pair of pantaloons.

Inscriptions & markings

No markings