What is Motanka?
The meaning of a DOLL
According to Clarrisa Pinkola Estes, an author and scholar on cultural and ethnic origins of feminine power, dolls hold very special place in a psyche of ancestral cultures: “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”.
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.