Oriental Barbie , 1981
80 x 30 x 1 in (h x w x d)

This was Mattel’s first Asian Barbie doll. Although she had a unique face sculpt, she was officially marketed as “Oriental Barbie,” using an offensive and outdated term for East Asian people. In addition to this insensitive slight, the doll had her head pushed down on the neck to simulate a shorter neck than standard Barbie.

Exhibited by:

Global Stories

Other works by Mattel

Barbie Petite, Tall, Curvy, and Original Bodies , 2015-Present
70 x 70 x 1 in (h x w x d)
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Slumber Party Barbie , 1965
90 x 50 x 1 in (h x w x d)
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Oreo Barbie , 2001
90 x 30 x 1 in (h x w x d)
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Barbie Chelsea Doll & Wheelchair , 2022
70 x 70 x 1 in (h x w x d)
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Scoliosis Chelsea , 2023
60 x 90 x 1 in (h x w x d)
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