Native American Barbie

 
In 1982 Mattel issued Eskimo Barbie in the International Series.  She was the first Barbie doll that represented the indigenous people of North America.  In 1991 this doll was reissue.  Both versions of Eskimo Barbie wore a "fur" trimmed white parka and boots. Both dolls used the "Oriental" head mold. The back of the dolls' box has information about the Eskimo people and a few language phrases.  In 1993 Native American Barbie was released as part of the "Dolls of the World" series. She wears a cream color traditional tribal costume and on the box's backside there is a brief overview of the Native American traditions.  This doll was an instant hit with the collectors and the doll became hard to find.  Due to this popularity and demand Mattel reissue her with the Toy R Us store chain. This doll used the "Diva" head mold.  The next Native American Doll  in this series was issued in 1994.  She is dress in the traditional "buckskin" Pow Wow Dress. Her box describes the Pow wow Ceremony.  This doll uses the "Teresa" head mold.  The third doll in the "Dolls of the World" series to represent Native Americans was in 1995. She wears a dark pink outfit that is updated version on the tribal Pow Wow attire.  The back of the box describes different Native American Dances and the Pow wow Ceremony.  This doll also uses the "Teresa" head mold.  The fourth doll in this Series was only sold at Toy R Us chains.  She wears a tan traditional "buckskin "dress that is trimmed in dark blue. The back of the box has information on the Native Americans.  This doll used the "Diva" face mold and is my personal favorite.  Mattel release Arctic Barbie in 1997.  Arctic Barbie represents the Inuits.  She is dress in a fur trimmed dark tan parka pants and boots. The boxes' back describes the traditions and customs of the Inuits.  In 1996 Mattel released American Indian Barbie as part of the new American Stories Collection. The doll is dress in a dark brown traditional style costume the doll comes with her baby cousin Blue Feather.  There is a storybook about the doll adventures with her cousin included in the box.  This doll use the "Superstar:head mold.  In 1997 a second story book American Indian Barbie was released in 1997.  She wore a dark blue traditional dress and comes with baby sister Little Cloud. The book is a story about Barbie and her baby sister on their way to an outing.  Barbie describes the animals and the special gifts each animal gives to their tribe.  There is a 1998 Native American  Barbie that is due for release early in the year. Due to her popularity with doll collectors and children I foresee that Mattel will continue to issue Native American Barbie for years to come. 

 


American Indian
1997

Arctic Barbie
1997

Native American
1998
 

Native American Graphics By:

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Barbie In Paris is owned and created by Babz/1997. Last update October 1999.  Copyright© 1997, All rights reserved. Barbie® is a registered trademark of Mattel Inc.  I am not affiliated with Mattel. All other trademarks are copyright of their respective owners. All views expressed in this page are solely my own and are not intended to reflect upon Mattel Inc or any of their affiliates.