Golliwog

The Golliwog (also spelled Golliwogg) is a fictional character that originated in late 19th-century children's literature and later became a popular toy and merchandising figure. It was created by Florence Kate Upton and first appeared in The Adventures of Two Dutch Dolls and a Golliwogg (1895). The character is depicted as a black rag doll with frizzy hair, large white eyes, and red lips, typically dressed in bright clothing. The name is a diminutive form derived from the word “golly.”

In the early to mid-20th century, the Golliwog became widely known in Britain and other countries as a friendly, jokey figure in books, toys, and advertising. It appeared on a range of merchandise and became a recognizable symbol in popular culture for decades. The image drew on earlier minstrel and blackface caricatures, even as it was presented to children as a charming toy.

From the 1950s onward, the Golliwog became increasingly controversial as attitudes toward race and representation changed. It is now widely regarded as a racist stereotype, and the use of the figure and the term is considered offensive in many contexts. Many retailers, publishers, and institutions removed Golliwog imagery from products and displays, and it is rarely used in contemporary media without critical context.

Today, discussions of the Golliwog focus on historical context and the impact of racial caricature. It is often studied as a case of how popular culture can reflect and reinforce harmful stereotypes, with museums and educators emphasizing critical examination and inclusive representation.