One day, my son and I were discussing the topic of my following writing. He asked me what I was writing about. I told him I was thinking of writing about dolls and their journey. That’s when it all started. It began with a simple question from my son: "Do you see my signal icon?"
"That's Mun Mun," I replied, recognizing the familiar monkey hand puppet I had sent him from Hawaii almost 42 years ago, which had become his digital avatar.
"You know half the story," he said with a mischievous grin, "But did I tell you the other half?"
I shook my head, intrigued. And so, he unfolded the tale of how Mun Mun, the once-squeaky toy, had received a most unexpected upgrade – a heart.
According to him, it all started with a conversation between him and his daughter. They had been discussing Mun Mun's silence, the result of a missing squeaker ball, lost to the ravages of time and enthusiastic play. My grand-daughter, with the empathy and wisdom that only a child can possess, had responded by drawing a heart on a post-it note and carefully affixing it to Mun Mun's chest. "He has a heart now, at least," she had declared, "and nobody can take it away."
This simple act of kindness, this bestowing of a symbolic heart, resonated deeply with him. It spoke to the power of empathy, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring magic of childhood. And so, he adopted Mun Mun, complete with his post-it heart, as his digital icon, a constant reminder of the beauty and innocence that resides within us all.
Japan Foundation traveling exhibition ‘NINGYŌ: Art and Beauty o...
I was amazed. It brought back memories of my childhood. Dolls have always held a special place in my heart, a tangible link to my childhood. My earliest memories are intertwined with a sweet-faced Japanese doll with long blonde hair cascading down her back. This was no ordinary doll; her limbs were detachable, a source of endless fascination for a five-year-old. I remember the thrill of acquiring her in a Delhi shop window, the pride in the tiny sweater my mother knitted for her, and the countless hours spent in her company as she traveled with me from Delhi to Nepal and beyond.
This doll with her removable limbs also served as an early introduction to the concept of anatomy. I remember carefully examining her detached arms and legs, marveling at how they fit together, and feeling a strange sense of wonder at the mechanics of the human body. Of course, at that age, my understanding was rudimentary, but the seed of curiosity was planted nevertheless.
Sadly, my doll met a tragic end. Too many eager hands and curious minds proved to be her undoing. My next doll had eyes that magically closed when it was laid down.It became my new confidante, followed by a series of lovingly crafted rag dolls made from my mother's old saris. These dolls became the center of my childhood world.
We organized elaborate doll weddings, mimicking the vibrant ceremonies we witnessed in our community. Tiny feasts were prepared, and the dolls were carried in procession, their "families" rejoicing in their union. These playful imitations of adult life weren't unique to us. Some years later in Banares, a group of Koirala girls and me were having a nostalgic conversation about doll play.
During the conversation, Sushila Kaki, BP Koirala's wife, recounted how, during their imprisonment in Biratnagar during the 1960s, the children found solace in staging doll marriages. The groom’s “Janti” traveled from the men’s jail to the women’s to meet his bride as part of the doll’s marriage. While the children enjoyed the whole process, the parents also felt some distraction and happiness. In such circumstances, dolls transcended their role as mere playthings, becoming symbols of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
Memories of my own experiences and Sushila Kaki's story led me down a rabbit hole of doll history, and what a fascinating journey it has been! I was surprised to know that dolls,while being merely playthings, were also vessels of culture, history, and imagination.Their origins stretch back to the dawn of civilization.
Archaeological discoveries have unearthed dolls from ancient Egypt, crafted from wood and clay, some dating back to the 21st century BC. Imagine these simple figures, buried alongside pharaohs, bearing witness to the passage of time. The ancient Greeks and Romans also embraced dolls, fashioning them from clay and terracotta, some with articulated limbs and fashionable attire. In these societies, dolls were more than just toys; they were part of coming-of-age rituals, with girls dedicating their dolls to goddesses upon marriage transition to womanhood, and upon reaching puberty boys dedicated their toys to the Gods, symbolizing their transition from childhood to adulthood.
Dolls have played diverse roles across cultures. In Africa, they served as both educational tools and conduits to the spiritual world, used in rituals and ceremonies to invoke blessings, ward off evil spirits, or connect with ancestors. Some cultures even believed dolls possessed magical powers, keeping them out of the hands of children lest their innocence be disrupted. Japanese dolls, with their rich history and exquisite craftsmanship, were revered as protectors and symbols of good fortune, often passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms.
The humble rag doll, crafted from scraps of fabric, has a universal appeal, its origins lost to time. Found in ancient Egypt and countless cultures since, rag dolls represent the ingenuity and resourcefulness of mothers, turning simple materials into cherished companions for their children. Their softness and simplicity have ensured their enduring popularity, offering comfort and endless possibilities for imaginative play.
Dolls have even served as tools for social commentary and political satire. In Iran, during the Qajar era, puppetry and dolls provided a safe avenue for criticizing the ruling regime. The dolls, with their "free and independent identities," could express what humans could not, giving voice to the frustrations and aspirations of the people. This subversive use of dolls highlights their potential to not only entertain but also to challenge societal norms and spark dialogue.
The evolution of doll-making materials reflects technological advancements. While early dolls were made from natural materials like wood, clay, and bone, the 19th century saw the rise of porcelain and bisque dolls, prized for their delicate features and lifelike expressions. The 20th century ushered in the era of mass-produced dolls made from composition materials and later vinyl and plastic. Despite these advancements, the charm of the rag doll persists, a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring connection to handcrafted traditions.
Beyond their historical and cultural significance, dolls hold a unique power to ignite a child's imagination. They can be anything a child desires – a princess, a superhero, a confidante, or an adventurer. Dolls allow children to explore different roles, create narratives, and develop essential social and emotional skills. Through doll play, children learn empathy, compassion, and problem-solving as they navigate the complexities of relationships and social situations in a safe and imaginative space.
Dolls can also serve as a reflection of societal values and aspirations. Children’s doll play often mirrors the prevailing cultural norms and ideals of beauty, gender roles, and social status. The evolution of doll design and the stories children create with their dolls provides valuable insights into the changing social landscape and the aspirations of different generations.
So, let us celebrate the humble doll, a timeless portal to imagination, creativity, and cultural heritage. Let us encourage children to embrace the joy of doll play, to weave their own stories, and to explore the boundless world within their minds. And perhaps, as adults, we can rediscover the magic of dolls, reconnecting with our inner child and the simple pleasures of play. For in the world of dolls, we find not only a reflection of ourselves but also a glimpse of the rich tapestry of human experience.
If you look closely, you will see your children in a role play mode reflecting your actions in their play with their dolls. Usually, they represent themselves as parents, and the doll becomes them. Their actions will match the way you behave with them. This is the time to change if you see something that does not look right. This is the time to get involved in their play and make corrections. When parents participate, children’s learning is enhanced.
I understand you do not have time. But, did you know that spending time with your children, when you are tired, refreshes and relaxes you? Why not give it a try? Who knows, you might just surprise yourself.
