Description: Vintage Flip Wilson double-sided dolls, manufactured by Shindana Toys in 1970. Silkscreen-printed with two different looks - Flip wilson and his alter ego, Geraldine. Good condition with very minor fading on tags and strings. Doll is well-stuffed and measure 16” tall. Lightweight and flexible. Minor stains and discoloration. See photos.
About: Shindana Toys was one of the first (possibly the first) major toy company to begin marketing ethnically-diverse dolls. Shindana operated in South Central LA from 1968 to 1983 launched by Operation Bootstrap, following the 1965 Watts Riots. Proceeds supported businesses in the Watts area. Shindana (a Swahili word roughly meaning "to compete") was community-owned and founded by Louis S. Smith and Robert Hall, with financial support from Mattel Toys, Sears Roebuck and the Chase Manhattan Bank.
In 1970, Louis Smith said, “We believe that only by learning to love oneself can one learn to love others...Shindana believes that by marketing black dolls and games that both black and white children can learn to relate to at an early age, the company can foster the spirit of what Shindana is all about, love."
Note: All BLK MKT Vintage inventory is vintage, "well-loved" and most times, with minor imperfections. Unless otherwise noted, items posted for sale are not reprints or reproductions. As with all vintage or antique items signs of wear and tear are to be expected; these include discoloration, fading and overall, patina. All items are described and pictured to demonstrate accurate condition. The provenance of some items is known and documented, while others have no accessible lineage. If there are any questions or concerns please email before purchasing as ALL SALES ARE FINAL & RETURNS ARE NOT ACCEPTED (with exceptions for extreme cases/misrepresentations).
