Meet Ukrainian motanka dolls!
A family guardian of Ukrainians, a magnificent interior decoration, and an inspiration for contemporary artists
According to historians, Motanka dolls appeared in Ukraine several thousand years ago, dating back to ancient Trypillia times. Our ancestors believed that natural threads and materials used to create these dolls are magical and protect the family from evil spirits.
Motanka doll is faceless; the cross symbolizes the unity of heaven and earth, four cardinal points, four seasons, and the sun. The doll is an amulet, so it cannot have a human appearance, protects its owners, and brings fertility to the homestead.
These dolls are usually made of natural materials such as hay, straw, wood, herbs, dry leaves, grains, seeds and are filled with fragrant herbs and decorated with traditional ornaments and embroidery.
Each motanka doll should be dressed in an embroidered shirt, petticoat, and spare. All elements are selected in accordance with regional and geographical features, each of which individually also acts as a guard. For example, a skirt is a symbol of the earth, a shirt denotes three life-time past, present, and future. Obligatory are also such attributes as different necklaces or embroideries, which represent well-being and prosperity. And of course, an indispensable element of clothing is a headdress. It can be a hat or a scarf or something else, but the headpiece must be present on the doll since it symbolizes the connection with the sky.
Today, Motanka dolls have became a popular gift idea for various holidays and weddings, baby showers, engagements, and even funerals. The wedding Motanka doll helps brides turn away the evil eye and supports them during their marriage. At the birth of a child, relatives often offer a Motanka doll that lies in the child's bed in order to protect the newborn's sleep and health.