Skookum Dolls

These Native American dolls were popular during the 1920s. They are “Skookum dolls” created by Mary McAboy in 1913. They were factory made from the 1920s until 1960s. They were sold at tourist spots.

The bodies are made of wood and stuffed with straw. The word “Skookum” originates with the Chinook or Siwash traders of the American Northwest and means “strong, good, brave, excellent, tough, powerful …” all good connotations.

This Native American village is similar to the one Mary McAboy made in a grocery store window as a way of selling her dolls.

These dolls date to around 1913 because the moccasins are made of leather