Mattel has introduced a limited-edition Barbie doll in honor of Maria Tallchief, the first American prima ballerina and a member of the Osage Nation. Released during Native American Heritage Month, the doll celebrates her legacy and aims to inspire others by recognizing her achievements in ballet, as reported by KFOR.
Barbie collaborated with members of Maria Tallchief's family and representatives from the Osage Nation to create a doll honoring the legendary ballerina. The doll, dressed in a red tutu inspired by Tallchief's iconic Firebird performance, is part of Barbie's effort to showcase women from diverse backgrounds and careers. Dr. Elise Paschen, Tallchief’s daughter, shared, "I’ve been working with them for a year and a half as her only child. I provided feedback on the initial sketches, the face sculpts, the tone of her skin, the makeup, and the details of her vibrant dress. They also used beautiful photographs of my mother and her history," as stated by the News9.
The Maria Tallchief Barbie doll was celebrated in Pawhuska at the Constantine Theater with speeches from Dr. Paschen and Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, along with musical performances. Dr. Paschen remarked, "I feel like this doll is a breakthrough for little girls across the world to be inspired by my mother’s story. Also, this is the second Native American doll and the second prima ballerina doll that Barbie has created" The doll, available for $35 on Mattel's website, honors Tallchief’s legacy as a pioneering ballerina and includes her Osage Nation name on the packaging, according to the News9.
