Important American Black-Complexion Character Doll by Leo Moss

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25" (64 cm.) Black-complexioned paper mache head with flanged neck, deeply sculpted short hair with very tight curls, brown glass inset eyes with painted lower lashes, modeled thick black brows, broad rounded nose, very full lips of closed mouth, brown muslin baby torso, brown composition baby-shaped arms and legs, antique costume. Condition: generally excellent, paint flake on one upper arm. Marks: (illegible series of numbers on head). Comments: American, early 20th century, attributed to Leo Moss, the itinerant handyman who is believed to have created the series of black children representing youngsters from his Georgia hometown, some representing his own children. Value Points: artful and endearing portrait with notable detail of sculpted hair and expressive eyes, beautifully preserved.