Events
„Polish dolls” – exhibition in Tallinn
Thanks to the cooperation of the Estonian Folk Art And Craft Union and CEPELIA Foundation the exhibition “Polish dolls” presenting dolls in the Polish regional costumes was organized from May 12th until May 26th in Tallinn. The exhibition was a result of cooperation of both organizations in the Word Crafts Council that associates institutions that operate in the field of folk art and culture from the whole world. The exhibition was held at th e sear of the Estonian Folk Art And Craft Union, at the 22 Pikk street.
Dolls in regional costumes are a form of popularization of folklore and popular handicraft as well as the manifestation of sentiment felt for the regional costume, which is the symbol of native land and representation of tradition. Regional dolls are presented in form of single figures, pairs or polymorphous scenes from everyday life. Meticulousness in creation of costumes depends on the height of the doll. Big ones are dressed in the miniature of regional costume, the tissue is chosen with maintaining proportions of pattern of original clothing tissue and the costume’s elements are hand embroided. Smaller figures are dressed in costume less accurate but still keeping the style of the given region.
Since the earliest times and traces of human civilization dolls accompany people and their culture. Children’s education begins with a doll that is a representation of a human. The doll – toy introduces the child in the family and social life, preparing it to the roles played as an adult. When playing, girls prepare to the role of a woman and a mother, boys, with the use of figures of warriors, soldiers and animals, train themselves to their future life roles – hunter, head of the family and it’s protector.
A lot of researchers suggest that magic practices are the primal function of dolls. The procedures realized by use of animals’ images were supposed to guarantee successful hunting and appeasing of the caught animal’s soul. Magical ways of executing revenge are known among many tribes of all continents Figures representing human, often decorated with such elements as hair or nails, were used for causing someone’s death or illness. But they were also used in the fertility magic. The fact that dolls accompanied some wedding rituals suggests it to be a fertility symbol. This custom survived until our times, though in an altered version. It is common that a decorated doll is put on the new wed couple car’s bonnet.
Dolls were and still are used in the religious education of children. The characters from the Christmas crib, altars, figures representing angels, nuns and priests help them to learn the faith’s rules and certain religious behaviors. Probably the figures from the Nativity plays and cribs were dressed in the regional costume or some of it’s elements.
Being formerly the object of cult, sometimes of adoration or the attribute of magical practices, with time the doll changed it’s function and became a puppet and finally a model doll, presenting the style and tendencies of the current fashion.
Decorative character is the common feature of all folk dolls. They aren’t meant to play with but are exhibits and souvenirs. They are made with an exquisite precision and 
care for every single detail of the dress, ornamentation of it’s elements, proper cut and colors. What is more, the concern about details is seen in the way of creating objects that accompany dolls, especially connected with the ritual behavior, dances or basic activities like spinning or weaving baskets. Being faithful to traditions and made with great precision folk dolls are a perfect present, symbol of the country or ethnic group of it’s origin, which can be found in many houses. A present that is given not only to family and friends but also to representatives of countries during official visits and events.