“Bangwell Putt”

From the collections of PVMA • Digital image © Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Assoc. • Image use information

About this item

Clarissa Field of Northfield, Massachusetts, was born blind in 1765. This doll was made for her and she fancifully named it Bangwell Putt. The doll lacks facial features but her ten carefully constructed fingers suggest the importance of touch in Clarissa’s world. Bangwell is dressed in 18th century fashion, including “stays” (a corset). Clarissa kept Bangwell until she died in her eighties. Bangwell Putt is thought to be the oldest surviving ragdoll in North America.

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Details

Item typeToy, Game
CreatorField, Moses
Date1765–1775
PlaceNorthfield, Massachusetts
TopicFamily, Children, Marriage, Courtship
Social Activities, Entertainment, Recreation
EraRevolutionary America, 1763–1783
MaterialCloth
Process/FormatNeedlework
Dimension detailsHeight: 15.25 in Width: 5.50 in Depth: 2.50 in
Catalog #1885.40.07
View this item in our curatorial database →
Field, Moses. Bangwell Putt. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, American Centuries. https://americancenturies.org/collection/1885-40-07/. Accessed on December 5, 2024.

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