Dollshead

Dollshead, a relatively obscure term, most commonly refers to a style of antique doll characterized by a head constructed from papier-mâché. These dollsheads, often found on early and mid-19th-century dolls, are notable for their detailed facial features that were molded and painted onto the papier-mâché surface. The name derives from the obvious component of the doll and the method of its creation.

The crafting of a dollshead typically involved layering strips of paper pulp onto a mold, allowing it to dry, then removing the hardened form. This form would then be meticulously painted, sometimes with elaborate hairstyles and clothing details depicted on the head itself. The bodies of these dolls were often made of cloth or leather.

Dollsheads are considered valuable collectibles by antique doll enthusiasts, prized for their craftsmanship, historical significance, and often their unique, hand-painted features. The condition of the painted surface and the overall preservation of the papier-mâché are key factors in determining their value.

While "dollshead" primarily refers to the papier-mâché doll head, the term can occasionally be used more broadly to describe any doll head intended for attachment to a soft body. However, its primary and more accurate application is in reference to the specific type of antique papier-mâché doll head.