The motanka doll is one of the most ancient handmade items in Ukrainian household. Initially fashioned as a domestic symbol of fertility and household guardians, these dolls played an important role in the everyday life of Ukrainians in the old days. While still in use today, the tradition has become more concerned with style and décor than anything ritualistic.
The main peculiarity of the doll is that it should be faceless, often with cross on head. It used to be made of any pieces of fabric that could be found at home. Craftsmen draw no faces (no eyes, nose, mouth) to let small children develop their imagination and think of the doll's emotions while playing with the doll. According to the ancient popular beliefs, the face inspired a soul in a doll. The soul can be good or bad, so it was safer not to give a soul to the doll at all than to risk giving a bad one. Ukrainians used to believe that the doll would take away the illness from children. It was also believed that motanka protects the house from evil spirits and ghosts. It is known as a Ukrainian folk doll with embroidered design around the world, but for Ukrainians it has always been a real amulet and a symbol of authenticity and feminine wisdom. Its rich history proves (a doll has existed for over 5,000 years) that the motanka was not only a toy but a reliable guard for the Ukrainian people, because our ancestors believed in its miraculous power and protection from misfortunes and disagreements.
