The Origins of Dolls
Did you know dolls go way far back in time? Dolls have a long history, with their origins dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece and Rome. These early dolls were made from a variety of materials that were readily available during these times, such as clay, wood, or even bone! Dolls were more than just children’s toys though, often holding cultural and religious significance, and were even known to be used in rituals or as representations of deities.
Dolls During the European Renaissance and the Middle Ages
Going into the Middle Ages dolls became very popular in European countries like Italy, France, and Germany where they began to evolve into more refined, artistic creations. This period saw the rise of porcelain as a popular doll-making material. It allowed the doll makers to craft fine details on their faces, and then compliment their creations with luxurious hand-made clothing. These dolls became cherished toys but were also symbols of wealth and status, often handed down through generations.
The Doll-Making Revolution of the 20th Century
The 20th century saw a huge revolution in the doll-making industry. New modern materials like plastic and rubber, made manufacturing cheaper, and dolls more accessible to everyone. Of course, none are more iconic than Barbie which was launched in 1959, with a range of themes from fashion models to astronauts. This was seen as a transformative period in the doll industry, with the Barbie doll becoming a symbol of empowerment thanks to her various roles. Despite this, Barbie has still faced much criticism over the years regarding body image and unrealistic beauty standards, something that the manufacturers have certainly addressed in more recent times.
Modern-Day Variety and Innovation
Today’s market offers a huge variety of dolls catering to every taste. From classic rubber dolls to soft fabric dolls suitable for newborns, and even dolls that can walk, talk, and even wee.
For many people dolls are far more than just toys. They are collectibles, educational tools, or even used for therapy. For example, reborn dolls are so realistic they can help those dealing with major loss, or are sometimes used care home settings, for elderly people suffering from Alzheimer’s.
Dolls as an Imaginative Learning Toy
At their core, dolls are tools for imagination, allowing children to create stories, explore roles, and understand the world around them. It allows them to copy their parents or even prepare themselves for the arrival of a new sibling. They can put on nappies, change their clothes, and give them baths allowing them to understand what will happen when baby arrives.
The Appeal of Doll Houses
A lovely toy for girls and boys is a doll’s house. Today, dollhouses are often designed with a more modern aesthetic and come in a range of styles, from traditionally ‘girly’ designs to more gender-neutral options. But for many people dollhouses are more than a toy, but a work of art with incredible details on the house or the furniture. Many doll houses that were created in the past reflected the era they were living in, the most famous dating back to the Victorian era. Those doll houses were created with multiple rooms filled with ornate furniture and lavish decor reflecting the upper class of that time, but now they showcase more of a modern design.
In today’s digital era, where screens dominate a huge part of our lives, doll houses allow our children a hands-on, imaginative experience. Dollhouses can develop storytelling skills and help a child explore different aspects of life. They can create characters using different scenarios, and arrange and rearrange furniture allowing them to express their creativity. The main materials used nowadays for dollhouses are wood and plastic, although at Mamiina we prefer wooden dolls houses, such as those from Janod, which are made using eco-friendly FCA Certified wood.
