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Catalog Data

Manufacturer:
Mattel, Inc.  Search this
Materials:
Synthetic fabric
Dimensions:
3-D: 15.9 x 7cm (6 1/4 x 2 3/4 in.)
Type:
MEMORABILIA-Popular Culture
Country of Origin:
MALAYSIA
Date:
ca. 1985
Summary:
These pants are an accessory for Astronaut Barbie issued by Mattel in 1985. The doll came in two versions: African-American, like this one, and a blonde light-skinned version. Examples of each are both in the Museum's collection.
Invented by Mattel Toys co-founder Ruth Handler in 1958, Barbie dolls were conceived as a toy that would allow children to play with a doll of an adult woman, not a baby or child/companion. As such, Barbie dolls allowed their owners to act out the life of a "single career girl." In the history of this immensely-popular and iconic toy, the Barbie doll has taken on several aviation- and space-themed jobs, including several versions of Barbie as a stewardess, astronaut, or pilot. Even though female astronauts participated actively in NASA's Space Shuttle program when this doll was issued, her pink and silver lam'e outfit is far more fantastical than realistic.
This doll and costume was donated to the Museum by Mattel in 1995.
Credit Line:
Gift of Mattel, Inc.
Inventory Number:
A20070118001
Restrictions & Rights:
Usage conditions apply
See more items in:
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source:
National Air and Space Museum
GUID:
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9c779ebe3-5009-4cfd-8701-b472fd44da51
EDAN-URL:
edanmdm:nasm_A20070118001