Izzy Doll Labelling

Artifact labelling helps visitors to understand museum artifacts.  In many cases, without a clear storyline or narrative, a visitor cannot determine the meaning or value of an artifact.  In our current Canadian peacekeeping exhibit, curators display three pocket-sized dolls (Izzy dolls), measuring approximately 15 centimetres, that require a written description to explain their significance.  The dolls are niche artifacts, and our curators had to tell an important story to reveal the hidden narrative.

Master Corporal Mark Isfeld served in Croatia as part of the United Nations peacekeeping contingent from 1992 to 1994.  While on a mission, he found a doll in the rubble of a bombed house and noticed local children had no toys to play with, which inspired him to ask his mother to knit the pocket-sized dolls.  He believed the dolls would comfort children and make positive connections between Canadian soldiers and the local population.  He understood the symbolic power of giving dolls to children during peacekeeping missions.  Master Corporal Isfeld died during a mine-clearing operation on 21 June 1994.  Canadian soldiers continued to give out dolls in honour of Master Corporal Isfeld and named them Izzy dolls.  Volunteers can knit Izzy dolls and send them to deployed Canadian troops worldwide, and soldiers have distributed 1.3 million dolls to date.

The Izzy dolls have little meaning without the story behind them.  Our curators added artifact labelling to tell this important story, including a short bio on Master Corporal Isfeld and the story behind the Izzy dolls.  These dolls are an example of artifacts that require a written explanation to explain their historical importance.  We hope this added labelling encourages active participation and engagement in the peacekeeping display and helps to explain the legacy of Master Corporal Isfeld.  His story and the Izzy dolls have significant international importance and reflect positive Canadian values toward protecting children in conflict areas worldwide.