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Motanka Dolls are rather complex objects that are laden with ritual and spiritual associations, meaning and beauty. The exceptional technique of creating Motanka Doll, typical for Ukraine, Russia, and more recently Poland, prohibits the use of sharp objects. A poke with a needle might wound her good nature and bring bad luck. Therefore every part is ‘sculpted out’ of fabrics and fastened, tied, and tangled together with the utmost care and precision.
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something about the doll
the art of doll-making
Traditional Folk Design
In many cultures, the art of doll-making is seen as a magical and powerful way to call for protection and good fortune. A ritually made doll (created with a positive intention) acts as a guardian, guide and lucky charm, bestowing the owner with prosperity, love and wisdom. The cultural approach to doll-making has a long and fascinating history entwined in magical thinking and superstition. Guatemalan dream dolls, and Native American Kachina dolls are some examples of traditionally and ritually made dolls. Slavic Motanka dolls have been an obscure tradition kept as a pass time activity, until in the last decade their powerful message of good wishes reawakened a new interest and garnered lots of enthusiasm amongst artist, therapists and folklorist.
Motanki have many different uses and purposes. Some are created as talismans, or gifts, some just for fun. Long time ago, Motanki used to be placed in the infants' cribs. They were made out of mother's gown that carried her scent, so the baby would sense mom’s presence and feel secure, and since the doll was made with soft fabrics, it was also baby’s first comfort toy.
Making a doll was also an excuse to gather and spend time in a meaningful way. Women would sit together in the evenings and create dolls while telling tells, old stories and myths, often to teach youngsters about the way of life or to scare them a little to protect them from foolish behavior. Baba Yaga stories served just such a purpose.
Talisman Doll
What is a Talisman Doll?
A talisman doll is a good luck charm that can carry powerful protection spells, as well as intentions of healing, love, prosperity, fortitude and so on. A doll created in a ceremonial setting with a specific purpose is a powerful and lovely reminder of our connection with spirit, guides, ancestors, and angelic helpers. Intention plays the most important role here. Whether someone wishes to create a Voodoo doll, to harm , control or possess others, or Motanka doll, to bring peace and tranquility, is just an expression of free will. Motanka Dolls are created only with positive intention, with respect for the tradition, ancestors and mother nature.
Dolls hold a very special place in the psyche of ancestral cultures, according to Clarrisa Pinkola Estes, an author, and scholar on cultural and ethnic origins of feminine power:
"A doll represents a little piece of soul that carries all the knowledge of the larger soul-Self. It reflects the inner spirit of us as women; the voice of our inner reason, inner knowing, and inner consciousness. Most of all, a doll serves as a powerful talisman”.
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So many different versions of motanka
herbal DOLL
zielarka
INVOKED FOR
wholeness, wellness, healing, magic
The language of herbs is a lovely way to create a personalized gift that expresses our well wishes and hope for healing and it can be a gentle reminder for yourself of qualities you want to cultivate in yourself, your home, work and sacred space. Herbal Doll is filled with plethora of herbs, and can be placed on an altar kept around for healing and protection.
quest doll
Zadanica
INVOKED FOR
mission impossible, manifestation, dreams to come true
I call my Zadanica Motanka a Quest Doll, because she is on a mission to bring whatever is needed for you at this moment. She can be translated as a Task Doll, she has a specific task to do, a job to accomplish, and you are the one who tells her what is that you need. She is like a force behind the law of attraction, her mission is to support you, provide you with insights and guidance, direction and inspired actions. With her help your dreams and wishes will come true.
grain DOLL
ziarnuszka
INVOKED FOR
abundance, good luck, wealth, health
Grain Doll is created with the intention of attracting abundance, prosperity, wealth, and fortitude.
She can be placed on an altar or in the kitchen as a good luck talisman. Grains are traditionally considered to be a symbol of hope for the future. In many myths and legends, grain is seen as a gift from the gods and a symbol of fertility and growth and was used in ceremonial rituals and offerings. Grain Doll often comes with her male counterpart, Bogacz, which means the Rich Dude :).
Nourishing doll
Karmicielka
INVOKED FOR
Abundance, Proseprity
Nourishing Doll is easily recognizable, as she is created eith very large boobs. She is all about prosperity, vitality, and wealthy living, and her large breast is a symbol of plenty, like a cornucopia, she is able to give with no end.
Mother
Rodzicielka
INVOKED FOR
Protection of home and family
The Mother Motanka is created with an intention of providing protection for the household, children, cats, dogs, anyone who is living under the same roof with you. She is often made with a few babies attached to her belt. She is busy keeping the house clean, organized, and protected from external unwelcomed influences.
multitasker
Dziesięciorączka
INVOKDE FOR
Getting things done when you have more on your plate than you can handle
This Motanka has 10 hands! She used to be created by young women to show off all their skills, and to emphasize their talents at multitasking. Each hand represents a different talent. Nowadays this doll is a great helper in keeping organized, focused and capable to get things done, even when we feel overwhelmed by the amount of responsibilities.
the lovers
Nierozłączki
INVOKED FOR
lovers, married couples, often gifted to newlyweeds
Two dolls are connected with one hand, this is a union that keeps them together for ever, and assures a common vision, dreams, hopes and wishes for the future. This is a great good luck charm often offered to newlyweds, but can be also created to invite into our lives fantastic business partners, friends and opportunities.
traveler
Podróżniczka
INVOKDE FOR
Safe travels
This Motanka was a popular doll created by young women, and offered to their husbands to provide protection during their travels. Not only was she providing guidance and protection, she also kept away other women from the beloved during far away visit and trips. She also was a reminder of a warm home waiting at the end of the journey, a hope for quick safe and sound return.