Insights into Mexico's historical development comes through a study of ten traditional costumes found on souvenir dolls. The dolls were made by the Muñecos Carselle and Poveda companies during the 1940's-1960's. The costumes span Mexico's history from the Colonial period to the 1960's. Each part of the dolls' costumes is identified. Stories, songs, and events associated with each costume is accompanied by numerous colored pictures, diagrams, and black and white photos showing actual clothing. These are some of the most often seen trajes tipicos (traditional costumes) found in Mexico. The dolls are a time capsule preserving distinctive clothing that is now disappearing.