african dolls,  Art,  creativity,  Design,  Doll,  Motanka,  voodoo dolls

African and Slavic dolls. From Voodoo to Motanka.

September 26, 2024 / 235 Comments

It is true that the healing and magical properties of a ritually made doll have been nearly forgotten. The modern doll is an adorable toy, a pretty thing to play with or look at, maybe even a fancy collectible, but it seems that magical belief in dolls’ abilities to serve people is an artifact of some long-forgotten cultures, and sandwiched between superstition and lore. Yes, we know of Voodoo dolls, and we don’t approve. Most don’t subscribe to the idea of controlling and hurting other people, which is how common folk see this doll, including myself. This interesting doll evolved from her older African sister and got a bad rap in time as the original meaning of these ritual dolls has been disturbed by pseudo-witchery and low vibrational magic.

A herbal doll filled with chamomile, herbs, and spices for healing, a calm mind, and an optimistic outlook on life.

I’ve stumbled upon some fascinating stories and found many similarities in symbolism, techniques, and purposes of dolls across time and nations. Apparently, ritual doll-making has withstood the pressure of time and thrives under the umbrella of folk art and as exotic souvenirs and beautiful but slightly problematic artifacts. After all, a magical doll doesn’t belong in a museum. Renee Stout, an artist who makes minkisi, African spirit dolls, compared an effigy in a museum to a church without a congregation: “There is still something there to look at, but any and all spiritual power is essentially gone”. (Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology & the Ancient World).  

GROUP OF FIVE NAMJI DOLLS Cameroun
These maternity dolls are decorated by women and worn on their belly or on the back to bring fertility 

Ritually made Dolls are infused with life by their makers. In Africa, just like in the Slavic tradition, dolls are meant to be used for someone who needs help, though the definition of that help can vary from person to person. The type of help needed will dictate which type of doll will be used. For medicinal purposes, a Minkisi was created, a doll with a medicine pouch, filled typically with fruit, charcoal, seeds, and resins. Zielarka might be a Slavic counterpart of Minkisi, as she is filled with herbs, dried flowers, resins, and sometimes crystals, with the intention of healing, protection, and over all well-being.

Linga Koba dolls are from the Ndebele people in Southern Africa. One of the smallest tribes of the region, the Ndebele are noted for their painted homes of brilliant colors that stand out in the drab countryside. Their clothing is similarly colorful. The beadwork on these Ndebele dolls is as detailed as the clothing of the women themselves. In Slavic tradition, the doll would receive beautifully embroidered clothing, and if the supplies allowed, she would be dressed up in the most colorful fabrics available.

The practice of vodun has always been confined to an intellectual elite. Its objects or fetishes can only act once they have been rendered sacred. they are the material signs of divine affirmation and their longevity depends on their use.
Nago and fon Vodun sculptures, Benin, photo © yuji ono

Here are some other striking similarities between the African and Central / East European dolls.

  • Dolls are created for young girls to play with and as a charm to ensure fertility 
  • Their shape and costume vary according to region and custom.
  • Frequently dolls are handed down from mother to daughter. 
  • The dolls are often dressed with traditional garb
  • They are usually not children’s playthings, but rather objects that are laden with ritual and religious associations within the community
  • The dolls are used to teach, and entertain
  • They are supernatural intermediaries and they are manipulated for ritual purposes.
  • They are unique because they are handmade and are traditionally handed down through generations.
  • Natural materials are often preferred for their inherent spiritual properties.
  • Personal items may be incorporated to strengthen the doll’s connection to its subject or purpose.

I will be finding more and more interesting connections for sure,

Resources

History of African Dolls

https://www.brown.edu/Departments/Joukowsky_Institute/courses/13things/7470.html

https://www.grunge.com/885749/the-untold-truth-of-voodoo-dolls

https://voodoodollsnola.com/the-art-behind-voodoo-dolls-understanding-symbolism-and-craftsmanship

https://www.christies.com/lot/lot-ensemble-de-cinq-poupees-namji-group-5686712

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