Dolls as toys, art objects and items of worship

When it comes to children's wishes, dolls are always at the top of the list – at least for girls. These toys have been the most popular since time immemorial.

It is believed that small human replicas were primarily used for religious purposes in ancient times, as idols or fetishes. The image of a human was probably considered to have magical properties and was subject to certain taboos. It is not known exactly when the first play figures appeared. However, archaeological finds prove that dolls were known all over the world and among all peoples.

Whether made of wood, clay or leather, little girls carried their dolls around with them, from the Inuit to the Romans. Boys probably played with similar figures, albeit more likely to be soldiers. These toys were quite simple in design, made of painted wood and lacking joints. A good example is the Russian Matryoshka doll, which consists of a series of hollow, painted figures that fit inside each other. This type has a very long tradition.

From the 16th century onwards, dolls wearing detailed, fashionable clothing were sold, but their bodies were often poorly constructed. Over time, the figures became more elaborate, with movable limbs that made them more human-like. In the Middle Ages, doll-making was a common profession involving the production of toys.

Interestingly, the earliest known dolls were not babies, but figures representing adults. These dolls often had a specific purpose and were not necessarily intended as toys. Fashion dolls are by no means a modern invention. Tailors and dressmakers used to carry around miniature dolls dressed in the latest fashions to show off the newest styles to ladies in castles and palaces. These precursors to display dummies were called mannequins, from the French word for 'little man'. The name and purpose have remained to this day.

Marionettes, i.e. jointed puppets controlled by strings or rods, have been used in theatre since ancient times. These performances often served religious purposes and were highly ritualised. This evolved into puppetry performed purely for entertainment.

In China, doctor dolls were commonly used. As women were not permitted to expose their bodies to men, even for medical examinations, these dolls enabled patients to indicate where they were experiencing pain. The ancient Egyptians placed small clay or wooden dolls in the graves of the deceased to serve them in the afterlife. Dolls representing a specific person are known as voodoo dolls, among other names.

Medieval depictions show dolls resembling children and demonstrate that a variety of accessories were already in use. The head was often carved from wood or made of clay, while the body was sometimes made of leather and softly stuffed. Complete wooden dolls with joints were also produced. Following the invention of porcelain, a new material became available for manufacturing dolls.

Who doesn't remember images of beautiful dolls with glass eyes and real hair wigs, dressed up and looking far too precious to play with? Such dolls used to be found in the bedrooms of wealthy families' children. These works of art are popular collector's items that can fetch very high prices. Poorer people continued to make do with simpler models.

The invention of plastics revolutionised manufacturing, enabling dolls to be produced entirely from rubber or celluloid. These were not nearly as delicate as posh porcelain dolls and could be mass-produced. From tiny babies to dolls the size of real toddlers, anything was possible. Sleeping eyes and a mother's voice became standard features.

Plastic could also be used to make hair in any colour at an affordable price. Then they started to talk. Whereas previously nothing more than a whimpering sound could be heard when the doll was laid on its back, these new dolls could sing entire songs or speak full sentences. There were several variations. Some had tiny records that could be exchanged and played in their tummies, while others had the famous pull-string that ensured the same sentences could always be heard.

They also learned to walk. Some models took steps when children took them by the hand and led them along. There were also dancing dolls, as well as dolls that could drink from their bottles and then wee. Technology made all this possible. Even real tears rolled down their plastic cheeks. Despite the popularity of these high-tech dolls, rag dolls never lost their status as cuddly toys. These soft, colourful, woolly-haired favourites are certainly just as dearly loved as the 'lifelike' versions and don't seem to mind being overshadowed by them. In fact, rag dolls are perhaps even more popular, as they can withstand a lot and are the ideal comforter – not to mention being wonderfully soft.

Another type is the artist doll, produced in limited editions or as unique pieces. These dolls look absolutely lifelike and are highly distinctive. They are intended more for adults to collect than for children to play with. As art objects, they decorate the home and are irresistible. They come full circle because, like their prehistoric counterparts, they are cult objects.

Dolls continue to exert a magical attraction on children and adults alike. These miniature human representations are imbued with a magic that never fades. And not just at Christmas.

© 'Dolls as toys, art objects and items of worship. Join us on a historical journey through the world of dolls': An article by Pressenet (translated by Izabel Comati), 11/2025. Image credit: Pressenet.