16" (41 cm.) Brown-complexioned wax-over-composition socket head with sculpted ribbed stocking cap edged by tight curls at forehead and sides of head, brown glass inset eyes, heavy modeled eyelids, black brows with sculpting detail, accented nostrils, closed mouth with accent line between the lips,brown composition ball- jointed body, wearing brown flannel coat with embroidered collar and cuffs, maroon cotton dress, undergarments, stockings, boots. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: attributed to Leo Moss, the black itinerant artist is believed to have worked in Georgia in the early 20th century, creating black portrait dolls from gathered scraps that he carefully saved from his occasional work in house painting and wall- papering; the attribution is uncertain. Value Points: the mystery doll, indubitably of American folk art origins, is superb, with artistic details of sculpted facial expression, cap and hair, enhanced by fine lustrous patina.