Let the Ancestors Speak - Season 2 Ep. 4 - Dolls from Traditional Africa to Haiti to the Links Inc.

In this episode, Dr.Hardiman takes us on a virtual tour of the Hardiman House Global Doll collection. Dolls have been part of human history from ancient to contemporary times. They have been used as playthings, teaching tools, preparation for future roles as family caregivers and community contributors, and as cultural custodians. They have been used as mediums for value construction, declarations of identity, vehicles for ancestral reconnection, and comforts for the human soul. They are also indicators of what is valued in terms of physical and moral beauty. Dr. Hardiman explains that whenever she traveled, she collected Black dolls so her daughter would have global images of Black Beauty and Black Past and Present Role Diversity. She shares her dolls from West Africa, the Dogon, Kenya, South African, Brazil, Cuba, and Haiti. She ends with a story about her Link Inc. doll from Haiti and its connection to her Mother Thelma Roberta Ayers Hardiman. She reminds us that dolls are not just physical entities but also spiritual supports.

[@malikyoung4190]

Oh my Thank ylYou so much💚 I have been working with my ancestor alter more building my foundation. I love creating dolls and jewelry. Your dolls are beautiful🔥