Created on the occasion of the exhibition Betye Saar's Black Dolls, at The New York Historical, this exclusive postcard set features three dolls from Betye Saar's collection and her three corresponding watercolors of those dolls. Betye Saar’s Black Dolls unpacks the historical, contemporary, and personal significance of Black dolls to childhood, ritual, dreams, and make-believe.
Betye Saar's Black Dolls (on view May 8, 2026 - October 4, 2026) honors the renowned artist’s 100th birthday and celebrates a landmark promised gift to The New York Historical of her collection of more than 100 Black dolls. Ranging from rag dolls handmade by Black women for both Black and white children in their care to mass-produced toys and tourist souvenirs, some of which were borne of racism and perpetuate stereotypes, the collection includes Hoo Doo Woman (1974), the only Black doll designed and created by Saar herself.
