What is Motanka?

In many cultures, doll-making has been revered as a magical invocation of protection and good luck. A ritually made doll would serve as a guardian, guide and lucky charm, bestowing the owner with prosperity,  love and wisdom. From Guatemalan dream dolls, Native American katchina dolls, to an array of Japanese dolls, African Bocio dolls (original voodoo dolls), and the Slavic Motanki – the cultural approach to doll-making has a long and fascinating history. 
Motanki are particularly enchanting dolls to me, as they come in many shapes and sizes, and can be created for all sorts of benefits, from protection during travel, and bringing prosperity, to securing a happy marriage and safe childbirth. They are always created with a positive intention and are not effigies, meaning they do not represent someone else, but only reflect the nature of their creator.
Motanki were offered to an infant, and since they are wrapped and tangled and fastened with soft fabrics, they were the baby’s first toy companion. Mom would use her gown or a dress that carries her fragrance, so the baby would feel mom’s presence.