Dolls are a great example of a childhood memento and have captivated people for centuries. At some point, you might have some memories playing with dolls, especially to project your imaginations.
According to Dictionary.com, a doll is "a small figure representing a baby or other human being, especially for use as a child's toy."
They have been constructed out of a variety of materials, such as plastic, rubber, wood, ivory and even bone. In fact, dolls have been some of the oldest forms of toys in the world. When you travel to a country where traditional culture is preserved, you can even take home a doll that represents that particular culture and makes a great decoration for your home.
Dolls have unique stories to them and some provide evidence of the cultural traditions that currently exist. Here is a sample of some traditional dolls of the world.
Matryoshka doll, Russia
The matryoshka doll, also known as the nesting doll, is often synonymous with Russia. It is one of the most popular souvenirs for tourists and make excellent gifts, especially for Mother's Day and housewarming parties.
The matryoshka is built so that each doll is nested inside each other.
The set starts with the largest doll of the set, which represents the matriarch of the family. The last doll of the set is often called the "seed" and represents the soul.
For an in-depth story about the matryoshka doll, you can check out my article, "The origin story of the matryoshka doll," by clicking here.
Kokeshi doll, Japan
The Kokeshi doll consists of a large head with a long, limbless body. No two Kokeshi are alike and the design and style of faces can vary. At least 12 styles of Kokeshi are known to exist, named after a place in Japan.
Known for their simplicity, Kokeshi dolls make a great souvenir whenever you have the chance to visit the Tōhoku region in northeastern Japan, known for its hot springs.
To learn more about the Kokeshi doll, here is my article, "The Art of the Kokeshi Doll."
Worry doll, Guatemala
Worry dolls, or "muñecas quitapenas" in Spanish, are small handmade dolls originating from Guatemala.
According to legend, Guatemalan children would place these worry dolls under their pillows when they go to bed at night. Children would also tell their worries to these dolls and by next morning, the dolls have gifted them with wisdom to eliminate those worries.
You can find these dolls at traditional handcraft markets in Guatemala and these represent the "chamulita" women of the region.
Navajo doll, United States
These dolls represent a style of clothing that Navajo women wore in east coast America around the 1860s.
The hair for the dolls were made out of mohair or yarn. For the women, the dresses were usually velvet and buttons were made out of nickels and dimes. Sequins were used to replicate those buttons in the dolls. Doll loop earrings were usually made with small beads.
Daruma doll, Japan
Many of you have probably seen a certain doll that may look intimidating (or even deceiving), but it is actually cute. In Japan, the daruma doll is considered a symbol of luck and perseverance.
Learning about the history and true meaning of the daruma doll are important for tourists to understand why the doll is an iconic part of Japanese culture.
Daruma are modeled after Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, who is believed to be the founder of Buddhism and lived as far back as the 5th century. A fun fact: daruma dolls have a weighted bottom so that they return to the same posture no matter how many times you knock it over.
You can find daruma dolls in Buddhist temples or souvenir shops in Japan.
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