Rag Doll, Index of American Design

Traditionally made at home from surplus materials and usually stuffed, they are some of the oldest children's toys in the world. The British Museum has a rag doll from ancient Rome, found in a child's grave, dating from the first to fifth centuries AD. Historically, rag dolls were used for comfort and to teach parenting skills to young children. They were often used to teach sewing, as children could practice sewing doll clothes and make simple dolls themselves. Mass production of rag dolls began in the 1830s when colour printing on cloth was first developed. Today, many rag dolls are produced on an industrial scale to mimic the characteristics of the original handmade dolls, such as simple features, soft cloth bodies and patchwork clothing.