Dolls history: from ancient amulets to modern presents

Added: 02/10/2006

Today one of the essential toys for girls of different ages all-over the world is the doll which educational function is considered to be one of the most important. But long ago the dolls played the role of fetish and amulet. Many fabrics and techniques were tested during the centuries to get the doll in its today?s appearance. Dolls collecting is still popular in many countries.

Dolls followed humankind during all stages of its development fulfilling different functions. The history of dolls counts millions and millions of years. Their modifications are tremendous. The dolls passed through long way of different materials and shapes changes. While early ancestors being dolls were made of natural materials such as: wood, fur, clay, little stones. Some research work succeeded in finding Babylonian examples of probably first dolls. No doubt Egyptian ancient culture was rich in first dolls variety. Here dolls looked like little figures made of flat colored wooden stick with the usage of hair. A number of evidences prove that they were cherished greatly during ancient time. We can guess that dolls luxury depended on family wealth. Most dolls followed their owners even after death being situated in the tombs.

Greece and Rome used dolls as toys for little girls that were buried after the child?s growing up. In this states dolls were associated with goddesses. Later the list of dolls material was added with more practical substances as bones, ivory, wax, etc.. 600 B.C became the date of new goals in ?dolls industry?. The masters had new task to improve dolls appearance and reach maximum possible likeness with the human. Removable body parts were not a miracle any more.

Almost all dolls history of dolls development viewed wooden samples. Only the 19th century changed the situation. The combination of wooden and paper materials entered the arena of dolls production. New unique (for then) techniques made new dolls durable in usage and pleasant looking. The development of molding industry advanced dolls production significantly although the recipes and ingredients were often rather strange. The leading positions were occupied by the papier-mache. England and Germany came into the collision at dolls industry. Each doll technology was kept in the secret. The beginning of the 19th century brought also popularity to porcelain dolls that even today occupy the special place in collections of vintage dolls. The usage of this material showed the level of technologies development.

For the first time French ?bebe? appeared in the end of the 19th century saw. Mostly all French dolls were young girls and not adults as it was before. Dolls had original design and the price was very reasonable. Being not expensive at all they became available possession of many families.

Rag dolls present the separate category of dolls. Their history can be traced to ancient time. All mothers used different fabrics creating first toy for their daughters all over the world. As commercial product rug dolls were popular in the USA and England. Hard plastic dolls that became so wide-spread quickly, were produced only after the World War II.

New technologies presented big variety of different dolls in today?s market that can satisfy and complete any connection. Except traditional educational functions modern dolls are viewed as perfect present (there is a big choice of ethnic souvenir dolls). At the present all kinds of dolls are essential part of girl?s toy sets.

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