Koo Koo Doll
Artifact ID1982.00608.01
Object Type
Sculpture
Gifter
Edward Seaga
Maker
Pansy Hassan
(Ballet Dancer, Jamaica)
Maker
Beeny Bud & Friends Ltd.
(Jamaica)
Date
20th Century
Medium
Fabric, Wood
Dimensions25 in. (63.5 cm)
Physical DescriptionA Koo Koo doll. A figure of a Jamaican boy with a painted face and yarn braids, wearing a multicolored diamond patterned and sequin top, long white lace jacket with sequins and red trim, tiered pink skirt with lace trim, multicolored multipatterned underskirt, and brown boots. On his head is a mask and a large elaborate headdress made of braided straw, lace, feathers, and multicolored cut metallic sunbursts and stars. The wooden base has a plaque lettered "ACTOR-BOY, Handmade in Jamaica" on the front. The back is lettered "Designed & Made by Pansy Hassan For Beenybud & Friends" in black.Historical NotePresident Reagan visited Jamaica April 7-8 1982 to meet with Prime Minister Edward Seaga and with Leaders of Eastern Caribbean Countries, while Nancy Reagan visited a local hospital. The Seagas gave President and Mrs. Reagan several gifts to commemorate their first official trip to Jamaica. This doll is named Koo Koo, or Actor-Boy, and depicts a young male actor in an elaborate costume and headdress. Koo Koo, which was part of the Jonkanoo Christmas parade, was famously depicted in a series of 19th century lithos of native costumes in Jamaica by artist Isaac Mendez Belisario. He still a symbol of the arts in Jamaica. The gift was presented to Nancy Reagan on behalf of the Seaga familly, and the government and people of Jamaica.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a foreign official to First Lady Nancy Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from Foreign Officials (National Archives Identifier 6816364)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© Pansy Hassan
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Country/CultureJamaicaPlace MadeJamaicaCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Related LinksPhotograph: Visit with Mrs. Seaga at Vale Royal, Kingston, Jamaica 04/07/1982
c07355-01