MOTANKA DOLL
Ukrainian style handmade rag doll
Motanka, a traditional Ukrainian rag doll.
The cross-shaped form of the doll is a symbol of the succession and protection of generations.
No sewing is used to make the doll, only winding of fabric. One mustn't use needles when making a Motanka, as an old belief states that one can sew up both good and evil thoughts into the doll.
The doll is faceless. Sometimes instead of a face, threads, usually consisting of two colours, are crisscrossed over one another, in such a way as to form a cross.
Wrapping threads around the Motanka to secure it (instead of sewing) is associated with eternity: the cycle of birth, growth and then rebirth.
Nowadays, these dolls are gifted as a wish of goodness, wealth and prosperity in the home.
Motanka, a traditional Ukrainian rag doll.
The cross-shaped form of the doll is a symbol of the succession and protection of generations.
No sewing is used to make the doll, only winding of fabric. One mustn't use needles when making a Motanka, as an old belief states that one can sew up both good and evil thoughts into the doll.
The doll is faceless. Sometimes instead of a face, threads, usually consisting of two colours, are crisscrossed over one another, in such a way as to form a cross.
Wrapping threads around the Motanka to secure it (instead of sewing) is associated with eternity: the cycle of birth, growth and then rebirth.
Nowadays, these dolls are gifted as a wish of goodness, wealth and prosperity in the home.