 |
| African Legends, Janay, Prince Tariq, and Nakia by Integrity Toys ©2003 |
After African Legends Prince Tariq arrived earlier this year deboxed and missing his accessories, I began a diligent search for the two hopeful women vying to be his bride: African Legends Janay and Nakia.
Janay arrived a couple of months prior to this post with Nakia the last one to arrive.
Made by Integrity Toys with a copyright date of 2003, their story from the back of the box is as follows:
African LegendsThe tale of the two sisters
When the king decided that it was time for his son Prince Tariq to select a wife, a message was sent to all the nearby villages with the happy news. Proud fathers from all over were invited to introduce their daughters to the prince; however, every citizen of the Serengeti agreed that old Barumba's daughters were the most beautiful they had ever seen.
Janay, the kind and generous sunshine girl was everyone's favorite in the running, but all knew too well that her evil twin sister, Nakia, although equally enchanting, was self-centered and devious... She would certainly do anything to win the Prince's heart, even cast mysterious spells that only she knew the secrets to!
Who will be the chosen one? You decide!
It will be a difficult decision. Which one do you think Prince Tariq will chose?
 |
| Closeup of African Legends characters |
~~~~~~~~~~
When these dolls entered the market in 2004, I was not interested in owning either. At that time, few playscale (11-1/2- and 12-inch) dolls piqued my interest. I also did not particularly care for Janay's head sculpt. As collectors, we sometimes see dolls in a different light years after they enter the market. Now I think Janay and her twin sister, Nakia, are gorgeous. They have such perfect facial bone structure.
During the hunt and chase for them, I had hoped to find this trio for their original price or not far above. That is exactly what happened.
dbg
Follow my Dolls for Sale blog
Please visit and "Like" The Doll Blogs: When Dolls Speak I Listen
I bought the African Legends Tariq and Janay in a Walmart in New Orleans around 2004 or 2005. I loved their faces, costumes, and accessories. I didn't buy Nakia. I can't remember if she wasn't available or if I decided I didn't want her because she was evil. Congratulations to you on adding these Integrity Toys dolls to you collection!
ReplyDeleteI didn't like Janay for the same reason or for a similar reason that you did not like Nakia. Janay had such a stern look on her face, so stern that it made me shy away from her. I have seen her in a different light in recent years, however. As for Nakia's evilness, I think she is just misunderstood. She is probably more temperamental or sullen than evil. Rumors and legends have been created about her casting spells on others. They're all lies, I tell you... all lies (at least they are for the doll in my doll family). ☺
Deletedbg
Awesome! I had never seen this set before. I was heavily into the Janay dolls back then, but I only had one source at the time, and that was Walmart. I don't ever remember seeing this set there. All three are gorgeous in their garb.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this set was sold at Wal-Mart. I think this series was created during the time Integrity began to upgrade the Janay line, but I'm only guessing.
Deletedbg
These are gorgeous dolls, Debbie! I love their attire. I think that he will choose both.
ReplyDeleteIf polygamy is part of their culture, I think Prince Tariq will choose both, too; one first and the other later. Which one will be first is probably a better question.
Deletedbg
Congratulations on your find, Debbie! I saw these sold individually and at Walmart as Paulette wrote. First time seeing them as a set. Applause.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the applause, D7ana! It's always a good feeling to cross off dolls from a mental or physical wanted list. It seems like I have been doing a lot of that lately. :-)
Deletedbg
He should choose Nakia. She's not evil at all. She has just been put upon by her supposedly sweet sister, Janay. Look at their faces. Janay isn't fooling me with that wide eyed innocence. Not when she has that smirky smile. Game recognizes game and she's a bad seed. Muff knows. If you ever find Nakia's box pushed over for no reason, Janay did it!
ReplyDeleteHaving said that I will admit that I'm influenced by Mustiwaits stories about Janay and Tariq so I don't like their dolls, lol.
I agree (about the she's not evil part), Muff. I guess I should really keep my eye on Janay or at least keep the sisters separate to prevent any accidental mishaps. You just never know what goes on when I leave the room and the lights are out. Honestly, I have returned to the room after an overnight absence to find a doll that appears to have moved to another position. There is one in particular who does this, a toddler and you know how they can be. Gravity is probably causing her to slid down in her chair, but it's pretty hilarious and also spooky how this one doll always seems to "move" on her own.
DeleteI will have to get caught up on reading a few of Musiwait's stories about Janay and Tariq,
*slid = slide (it's 4:42 a.m.; no breakfast or coffee yet). But I'll have it in me in just a few!
Deletedbg
I've posted a "sister" post about Janay dolls today. Here's the link if you'd like the key to MORE Janay photos. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIt's good to know the MasterCollector images of Janay have been added to your Janay Pinterest board, D7ana. Thanks for letting me know and for continuing to update me on future board updates.
DeleteO have both of them and they gets along well.. Lol
ReplyDelete