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Writer's pictureIvanna Pinyak

Motanka, Art Doll And Pagan Lucky Charm



Definition. The word "Motanka" comes from the verb "мотати" (to wind, to roll). Motanka means a "rolled doll". It is a doll created without using a scissors or needle, by a technique of winding a thread around the fabric. By sculpting, modeling, fixing and adding details, seamlessly, this technique allows you to create original and surprising characters, modern or traditional dolls. According to your desires, you can give volume to your doll, filling it with natural products: seeds, straw, wood or aromatic plants.


Millennial technique. "Motanka" was created around 5 thousand years ago. The rolled doll has no face and owes its explanation to pagan beliefs. As our ancestors believed in spirits, they feared that they could be embodied in dolls through the eyes. As pagans believed in both good and evil spirits, they would prefer not to take any risk! To compensate for the absence of the face, or simply to strengthen the spiritual role of the Motanka, our ancestors sometimes made a sacral cross on the face of the doll.


Motanka was then a protective talisman with a very specific mission: to cure an illness, restore health, bring happiness, attract love, guarantee a good trip etc. Motanka is a benevolent fairy, as long as it is created in a gentle smooth manner, meaning with positive thoughts, of course, and, technically, without using a needle or scissors. All pieces of fabrics, accessories, etc. must be prepared in advance, cloths and accessories could be created separately and not sewn to the doll's body.


Nowadays, designers, inspired by the tradition of Motanka, are free to stick to the tradition or to develop it according to their imagination.

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