The Aboriginal Symbols Peg Doll Family is lovingly handcrafted by Barka Arts, a First Nations–owned business created by Chloe, an artist, qualified early childhood educator, mum, and wife.
Chloe is a proud young Indigenous woman with connections to Barkindji and Maliangappa mobs along the Darling River in Western NSW, Gamilaroi Country in Northern NSW, and ties to Biripi Country on the mid-north coast of NSW.
This family set includes six wooden peg dolls, each thoughtfully painted in a range of skin tones to reflect the diversity of First Nations peoples. Every doll features unique Aboriginal symbols, with each symbol representing a different meaning, story, or connection.
These dolls were created as an expression of identity. As Chloe shares, many Indigenous families include both fair and dark skin tones, and these dolls are designed to help children see themselves, their families, and their communities reflected in play. They support meaningful conversations around identity and belonging and align with EYLF Outcome 1, Children have a strong sense of identity.
Details
Set of 6 handcrafted wooden peg dolls
Multi skin tones representing the diversity of First Nations peoples
Hand-painted with Aboriginal symbols
Created by a First Nations artist and early childhood educator
Safety
Contains small parts. Not suitable for children under 3 years.
A beautiful open-ended resource for play, storytelling, and connection to culture.
"These Aboriginal Peg Dolls are perfect for miniature provocations. They are beautifully painted and durable, which is important to withstand the play of children. They are a delightful addition to our preschool room and will bring many years of imaginative play. For NAIDOC week we set up an Australia’s First Nations Peoples Small World Play experience and the children played with it for hours every day for a week." Nadene Henderson - Narnia Christian Preschool
Sapphire Twoday - Competition Entry 2023
