that acts as a "shaper" giving her a womanly silhouette. Dolls like this example representing both fishermen and fisherwomen are commonly between 9 and 12-inches in height with bisque heads. Parian-type shoulder heads with blonde or brown hair and painted features are typical. The shoulder heads are sewn onto cloth bodies with wire armature supporting the terra cotta arms and legs. Her hands are molded closed in order to hold a basket of shells or fish. Her cap or "Le Soleil" is constructed of lace. Metallic colored beads are sewn onto each side of the cap, usually two hang in a row. It is said that the hat, with the lace encircling the head, is representative of the rays of the sun outlining the face. Most of the fishermen and fisherwomen have terra cotta or at least bare feet but this lady wears "sabots" or shoes. Finding this type of doll in its original outfit is difficult. Often these souvenir dolls, after being taken home, were redressed as fashion ladies. Reference: French Dolls in Folklore Costume 1835-1917, Florence Theriault, Gold Horse Publishing, 1999. DOLL NEWS * UFDC.ORG 29http://www.UFDC.ORG