Kiwi ingenuity in the Depression
Doll about 1930, Murray, Bessie (1887–1956), Taihape. Gift of Mr and Mrs I C Ferguson, 1989. Te Papa
Resourceful New Zealanders found ways to generate extra cash through the Great Depression. Taihape widow Bessie Murray supported her family by fashioning intricate dolls like this, which she sold in local stores. Other people peddled items door to door.